Nigerian state Kaduna is planning to invest NGN28bn (178.1m) for the construction of 31 township and rural roads.

The new roads come as part of the state government’s aim to improve socio-economic development in the region, and fall in line with its transformation agenda.

Addressing reporters at the State Executive Council meeting, Kaduna Works and Transport commissioner Suleiman Richifa said that the council has approved an advance payment of 25% to contractors involved in the projects.

"The advance payment of 25% of the contract sum is to facilitate the movement of contractors to the site immediately," Richifa added.

The roads to be built will include the 21.7km-long Garun Kurama-Kurandai-Bandu Kasuwa stretch, 27km Maraban Kakeyi-FarinKasa-San Birni-Richifa road, 26km stretch of Farar Gada-Yakawada-Iyatawa and 34km-long Dogon Dawa-Sason Layi-old Birnin Gwari road.

Others roads to be constructed will include 45km Kwasam-Kushere-Geshere, 24km-long Kwagiri-Kussom-Wasa, 13.1km Kwoi-dura-Ankung-Taimen-Idofu and 34km Kagoro-Manchok-Mabushi.

Other roads, below 10km in length, include Gonin gora-Hayin Katafawa-Ungwan Bije-Gonin Gora, WAEC-GGSS Kawo-College-Lafiya, Tanko Ayuba-NAFDAC-Post office, Hayin Jirgi-Borno, Romi-Karatudu, Bukus Kwarin Ayuba-Angwan Yusi Yankarfe-Hanwa, Likoro-Magata, Sakaru-Bagaidi and Garun Kurama-Keran.

Others in the line will include Shehu Idris-Tudun Jikun road, Gangar township road, Kutemeshi-Yankan Dutse, and the Yam market-Afaka road.

Expected to commence with immediate effect, the construction of these new roads will not only enhance the road network, but will also ease movement of vehicles across the state.