Construction of the first flyover in Borno State has begun after a ceremonial launch by Governor Babagana Umara Zulum in Maiduguri to ease traffic at the normally congested customs roundabout.
The roundabout around a major market, connects the three routes, including linking Maiduguri to Dikwa-Ngala economic road that leads to neighbouring countries-Cameroon and Chad.
The length of the flyover is 2.4 kilometers, combining two opposite lanes on top the bridge and at the bottom of it. Vehicles will drive on top and below.
Contract for the project was awarded to a Chinese construction firm, Eighteenth Engineering International Limited at the cost of N4.2 billion from which 30% mobilization fee has already been released.
The project, Zulum and the contractors separately assured, will be completed by middle of next year, 2021.
The governor announced that a second flyover will commence early next year, around the post office roundabout in the city centre of Maiduguri.
Borno government is opening up the state capital as part of responses to increase in number of motorists caused by a population growth caused by forced migration of families who have settled in Maiduguri as a result of displacement by insurgents.
The new routes are also expected to contribute to better flow of traffic on matters of security and emergencies.
Governor Zulum while flagging off the project said he intends to complete and start many roads this year as already provided for in the budget he recently signed into law.
He gave commitment to making sure roads like Maiduguri-Bama-Banki, Maiduguri-Dikwa-Ngala, and Damboa-Chibok-Mbalala are delivered under his current term in office.
Ongoing and soon to start township roads will also be delivered around Jiddari-Polo, Mala, Kyariri and Zannari areas of Maiduguri metropolis and different parts of Biu, Monguno, Askira, Ngala and Gwoza local government areas of the state.
