Group decries delays in N95bn Bali–Serti–Gembu road project

A group who on Tuesday came under the umbrella of #FixGembuRoad Campaign has renewed calls for government urgent intervention in the reconstruction of the Bali–Serti–Gembu road in Taraba State.

In a press briefing held in Jalingo, the state capital, the group, who cited the alleged prolonged delays, deteriorating road conditions, and increasing hardship for residents of the Mambilla Plateau in Sardauna Council, beckoned the authorities concerned to as a matter of urgency wade in.

Led by the campaign’s convener, Mr. Joel David Yaji, alongside co-convener Hassan Alhaji Audu Mamnga, they voiced frustration over the sluggish progress of the N95.2 billion road project awarded to SCC Nigeria Limited under the Federal Government’s NNPC Road Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme.

“This road is more than just tarmac. It is the lifeline of our people, connecting families, enabling business, supporting education, and delivering healthcare. Its current state is unacceptable,” Yaji stated.

According to the campaign team, the journey from Jalingo to Gembu, a distance of approximately 374 kilometers, now takes up to two days due to the road’s deplorable condition, especially between Maisamari and Nguroje.

“This situation has crippled economic activity, disrupted education, and made healthcare services nearly inaccessible in the region,” they lamented.

The group emphasized that although the road is a Federal Government project and work has begun, the pace is far too slow. They called for increased accountability and oversight from elected representatives and government officials.

While calling on the senator representing Taraba Central to sponsor motions and engage Senate committees to ensure adequate budgetary attention and oversight for the road project, they stressed the need for the member representing Sardauna, Gashaka, and Kurmi Federal Constituency to persistently raise the issue in the House of Representatives and liaise with the Federal Ministry of Works.

They also beckoned on the Minister of Regional Development and Taraba’s voice in the Federal Executive Council to push for executive-level intervention to fast-track the project’s completion.

The group further highlighted the economic and developmental potential of the Mambilla Plateau in tourism, agriculture, and cross-border trade, which they argued cannot be realized without reliable road infrastructure.