By Chijioke Kingsley
Abuja (Sundiata Post) – While canvassing for support, Governor Caleb Mutfwang then governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, just like his counterparts in other parties, made several promises of how he would re-invent Plateau State if given the opportunity to steer the statecraft.
Mutfwang had also reinforced his campaign promises during his inaugural speech which inspired hope and confidence among many. https://sundiatapost.com/gov-mutfwang-spent-n1b-to-fill-potholes-fix-roads-in-plateau-agency/
The spontaneous eruption of jubilation across the State after he was pronounced winner of the March 18 governorship poll was a strong indicator that the people earnestly yearned for change.
He has no choice but to walk the talk.
However, experience has taught many folks how risky it could be to trust politicians and their rhetoric in our clime.
While some folks are still keenly watching the steps taken by the Governor to know whether he is truly the long-expected political Messiah, many believe that Plateau may have been lucky this time.
Sectoral analysis of Governor Mutfwang performance index will, therefore, be of immense help in any attempt to gauge his scorecard accurately.
Infrastructure:
Mutfwang decided to take the bull by the horns when he declared a state of emergency on road infrastructure.
Barely one month after assuming office, he flagged off in one day, the renovation and maintenance of all the roads in Jos South and Jos North metropolis, spanning from Vom-Bukuru to Jos township roads.
Statistics available confirmed that the performing Governor has spent over N1 Billion so far in performing these noble projects. https://sundiatapost.com/gov-mutfwang-to-site-film-village-in-jos-wycliffe-jean-to-perform-ground-breaking/
According to Engr. Luka Davou, the General Manager, Plateau State Road Maintenance Agency, said the agency’s operations have been configured to maintain a presence on Plateau roads in all seasons and that was why residents saw construction workers fixing roads even in the rain with interlocking paving stones in some of the city centers as the hot asphalt premix normally used is not suitable for wet season.
Davou said in order to minimize the challenges posed by bad roads to free movement of persons and goods, the agency ensures that palliative interventions are carried out with the use of boulders on portions that are almost degenerating into craters while the use of cold mixed asphalt and interlocking paving stones are also employed either as palliative or outright fixing of some roads, depending on the terrain.
“The agency swiftly deployed its men to many parts of the State immediately the Governor gave us a go ahead order, so as to rapidly fix the potholes, using hot asphalt premix through both day and night operations”, he said.
The agency said the roads fixed are tagged face one and that face two will commence before Christmas.
Our correspondent reports that the opposition who has been criticizing Mutfwang right from day one can secretly testify that the State is wearing a new look.
Railways:
The Governor has said the intracity railways initiated by his government to cushion the effect of the fuel subsidy will also commence by Christmas.
He had said the completion of the project will be part of his Christmas gift to the State.
According to him: “I have set the State on the right path of rebuilding infrastructures and reviving moribund institutions and organizations.
“The idea of the intracity railway system was part of measures taken to revitalize the railways and to serve as a subsidy removal palliative to support transport systems for low income earners.
“The development of the State since my government came into power has been my top priority”, Mutfwang has said in one of his many speeches.
Film Village:
The Governor has also concluded plans to site film village in Jos. He will also be hosting the renowned Haitian born rapper and musician who lives in the United States, Wyclife Jean to perform the ground breaking ceremony on December 28, 2023.
Mutfwang had said the aim of the film village is for equitable wealth distribution and to provide a platform for scaling up and showcasing the talents of Plateau youths on the global stage.
According to him: “Besides, the State has also concluded arrangements for the construction of Smart City Housing Units for low, middle and high income earners for sustainable Housing developments in its comprehensive approach to make the State an economic hub.
“I also want to ensure that appropriate sites are secured so that the developers can come in as quickly as possible to commence works.
“I want to develop a state of the art film village, the first of its kind in Africa. Wyclife Jean will be coming on the 28th December, 2023 for a peace concert and then perform the foundation laying ceremony of the Film Village.
“I have gotten the commitment of all developers with a view to hit the ground running.
“In line with my vision to transform the State, I wants to change the narrative of Plateau being the home of Civil Service and to show that Plateau is still the destination for entertainment, peace and tourism.
“The Film Village and Jos Smart City projects when completed will generate huge revenue for the State. The development will further boost tourism and bring the State to National and International limelight. Indeed, Plateau will be the headquarters of entertainment in Africa”, Mutfwang said.
However, apart from many other achievements, our correspondent reports that several key roads in Plateau have also been re-asphalted in continuation of the Governor’s zero tolerance for potholes.
