Those who are familiar with Kaduna will concede to the indisputable fact
that the capital of former Northern Region has never had it so good in
terms of infrastructural revolution and development since its creation
on May 27, 1967. Thanks to the avowed commitment of the Governor Mallam
Nasir el-Rufai to frontally address the yawning gap in infrastructural
all over the state. It was his resolve and determination to turn the
state into an investment hub and make life better for citizens. To this
end the governor has awarded contracts for several road projects under
the Kaduna Urban Renewal Programme. Despite the challenges faced by the
state as a result of the global pandemic and other hash economic
realities, government has taken a deliberate step at investing in the
urban renewal project because no state could function well without
opening the space with good roads. At the moment Kaduna has become a
construction site. Many dilapidated roads are currently expanded or
duallised making Kaduna one of the most beautiful and organised state
capitals in Nigeria. The programme is not only limited to Kaduna city
centre alone, work is also ongoing in other satellite towns of Zaria and
Kafanchan. The phase one project which consists of twenty one roads and
bridges criss-crossing all the nooks and crannies of the three zones of
the state are at completion and or at advanced stages. The urban renewal
initiative has no doubt opened up the state to a more meaningful and
delightful transportation and vehicular movement experience.
With the programme delivery, Kaduna public will heave a sigh of relief
with the incessant nightmarish driving experience occasioned by
congestion within and outside the metropolis. This has given the people
of the state another opportunity to relish on the pleasure of easy and
comfortable movement of people, goods and services. Accordingly,
commendations from residents have trailed the good intention of the
state government for initiating the laudable urban renewal programme.
“Before now, the traffic gridlock snailing through most of the major
roads in Kaduna is terrible but today things are gradually changing. One
can now drive without any problem. The roads are also of quality
standard too,” said Musa Adamu a bus driver.
Apart from the roads under construction, the building of a new Kaduna
Galaxy Mall which is adjudged to be sitting on 11, 000 square meters is
also ongoing. The mall is elaborately designed to house two major
economic players in various fast moving consumables goods and other
business chains: SPAR and Shoprite in addition to 48 line shops. The
mall according to the Managing Director of the Kaduna Market Development
and Management Company, Mohammed Bayero, is a Public-Private Partnership
(PPP). By implication Kaduna has opened its doors to both public and
private organisations to invest significantly into property and
infrastructure. The move offers real opportunity for investors to
capitalise on the opportunity to develop and expand their businesses in
Kaduna State.
As cities expand and population grows, the essence of redesigning and
redevelopment of cities has become more imperative than ever. As a
result, this growing trend presents myriads of benefits for the people
and once in a life time opportunity for investors to capitalise on.
According to research, “over half of the global population live in urban
areas. And by 2045, the world’s population living in cities will
increase by 1.5 times, to 6 billion. This means that roughly two-thirds
of all people on the planet will be living in cities.”
However, while urban growth is an important driver for the stability and
of development of any economy, managing it is a very different story.
Leaders have to move in quickly to address the challenges thrown up by
providing basic services, infrastructure, and even affordable housing
for the expanding populations. Why is it important to embark on Kaduna
Urban Renewal one may ask? According to Mohammed Magaji, the Managing
Director of Kaduna State Road Agency (KADRA) “the essence of this
urban renewal project is to open up areas to connect communities and
link major roads. Once you have all these incorporated security
challenges will be tackled, investors will come in to invest, our local
business people – even during construction of the roads – there are
economic activities already, these massive projects will create job
opportunities for our youths. Travel time will be reduced because the
roads will minimise traffic gridlock. So, the social economic activities
of the state will improve and Kaduna state will be great again. Because
of the development that is usually associated with road construction, we
expect that Kaduna State soon experience higher GDP.”
Among other gains of Kaduna Urban Renewal Programme include the
following. First, creation of job opportunities and empowerment of
locals. From available statistics presented by KADRA, over 1700 local
direct workers have been engaged in the programme. Second, it makes the
state liveable. Urban renewal recreates neighbourhoods and communities
left behind due to demographic and economic change, by bringing back
character and a sense of place. Third, areas hitherto forgotten can be
reinvigorated through the opportunities created by the project as
building and infrastructural developments which allow cities to further
their growth begin to spring up.
Fourth, investment in transport system by both government and
individuals geared towards improving mobility of residents and in turn
reduce time wastage, improvement air quality and reducing the rate of
sedentary lifestyle are encouraged.
Fifth, under-utilised areas further attracts development and expansion
which further address the challenge of cost of housing. Corner shops are
also erected for businesses which increases the state’s internally
generated revenue.
Sixth, urban renewal programmes also galvernises growth in geographical
green infrastructure and green spaces. By so doing, art and creative
industries grow with skilled workers in the industry taking advantage of
the environment for their projects and grow their businesses.
Seventh, urban renewal comes with historical, and ecological factors
such as water systems, edifices and fountains that are part of the urban
environment. All of these factors can help to improve the liveability of
a city, the vibrancy of communities and economic growth.
Nigeria lacks maintenance culture. Therefore one vital component of the
urban renewal programme which should be taken seriously is the
maintenance. The roads will be useful even in centuries to come and
serve the state better if it is properly managed and maintained.
Therefore, KADRA should engage or designate staff or people who should
be charged with keeping the roads clean. With the rehabilitation,
expansion and building of these roads in the state, the administration
of Nasir el-Rufai has done what can unarguably be described as one of
the most ambitious urban renewal programmes northern Nigeria and the
country has had in recent times. Kaduna is on the desired pedestal of
change. It is now a pleasurable experience to drive within the Kaduna
metropolis.
Sunday Onyemaechi Eze, a Media and Communication Specialist is the
publisher:thenewinsightng.blog
@yahoo.com [2] and could be reached on 08060901201