The Plateau State Government has announced the revival of 17 out of 49 previously abandoned projects across the state, marking a major step forward in Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s commitment to infrastructure development and service delivery. This was disclosed during an inspection tour led by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Rt. Hon. Joyce Lohya Ramnap, and the Commissioner for Works, Hon. Ubandoma Joshua Laven.
The inspection covered key projects such as the Lankang Bridge, Kagu Road, Sambi Bridge, Mangu Bwoi Mushu, Yelwa Treatment Plant, and facilities under the Plateau Municipal Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (PLAMWASSA), among others. The tour was aimed at assessing the level of work done and showcasing the government’s achievements so far.
“We’re just scratching the surface of what we have done. Out of 49 abandoned projects inherited by this administration, we’ve revived 17, many of which are near completion or ready for commissioning,” Ramnap stated. She emphasized that the projects are carefully selected based on their direct impact on the lives of Plateau citizens.
According to the Commissioner, the revived projects cut across sectors like road infrastructure, education, health, and water. She also clarified that most of the ongoing projects are fully funded by the state government, with only a few supported through partnerships. “What we did was to ensure Plateau State met all conditions necessary to attract partnerships, but the majority of these projects are state-driven,” she added.
Hon. Ubandoma Joshua Laven, Plateau State Commissioner for Works, has provided further insight into the scope of road infrastructure recovery carried out by the current administration. According to him, the Revived 17 abandoned road projects covering a total of 340.74 kilometers, as part of efforts to breathe life into over 3,000 kilometers of neglected road networks across the state.
Ubandoma said the revived projects span all three senatorial zones, including key roads like Demshin Road, Jibam-Dokan Tofa, Gungji–Shuwer. He also mentioned ongoing efforts in areas like Miango leading to Farin Lamba, and Garkawa–Shendam road in the southern axis, where contractors have resumed work. He explained that the government is determined to complete all 3,074 kilometers of roads that had been abandoned in the last eight to nine years.
“We took over 17 abandoned projects and completed 340.74km within nine months of this administration,” Ubandoma said. “Before restarting work, we had to carefully review each project considering the rate of inflation and adjust the estimated total cost. A project awarded in 2014 or 2018 cannot cost the same today.”
He further explained that due diligence caused slight delays at the start, but this was necessary to ensure transparency and quality delivery. With the review now completed, contractors have returned to sites across the state. The Commissioner also hinted that six more projects are set to be activated before the end of the month, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to infrastructure development using modern technology, such as hydraulics, to improve road durability.
Engr. Apollos Simon Samchi, Managing Director of the Jos Water Service Commission, said the Yelwa Water Treatment Plant has been revived after over 15 years of neglect. The plant has a capacity of 5,000 cubic meters and is being rehabilitated through a partnership with the World Bank.
He explained that the water is drawn from two large interconnected ponds, treated at the facility, and then transmitted to an overhead steel tank in Bukuru town. This is expected to ease pressure on the old Yakubu Gowon Dam.
Samchi said many of the water challenges were caused by climate change, old infrastructure built over 45 years ago, and a growing population. He noted that many communities are now located in areas without water pipelines due to past crises and new settlements.
“We have extended pipeline supply to Galet community, which is a large area,” Samchi said. “We are targeting about 40,000 people to benefit from this project when it fully begins.”
He added that although the test run of the new plant has been completed, it is yet to be officially handed over for full operation.
Mr. Yenle confirmed that the Panyam Fish Farm, once abandoned and in poor condition, has been reactivated by the current administration. The farm now has fingerlings, and clearing of several ponds has begun. Out of 44 ponds available, about 11 are currently functioning, with more set to be revived as water systems are restored. He praised the government for stepping in, saying the farm would have completely collapsed if the previous arrangement with a company had continued.
The fish farm covers about 301 hectares and is being improved with better access roads already completed. Mr. Yenle also noted that the water source for the ponds is natural springs water from Kerang, which are managed during the dry season by blocking and redirecting flows to maintain supply.
The government assured the public that more projects will be revisited and completed in phases.
