The Plateau State government has raised alarms over the frequent destruction of solar panels, particularly near the Bauchi Road Bridge, calling on local communities to actively protect public assets, which are financed by taxpayers’ contributions.
During a weekend briefing in Jos, the Commissioner for Works, Hon. Ubandoma Laven, refuted opposition claims suggesting that the state’s current road and infrastructure developments were financed by the World Bank.
He emphasized that all projects are entirely funded through state-generated revenue and taxpayers’ money, with no external World Bank involvement.
Hon. Laven highlighted that upon assuming office, the Mutfwang administration inherited 45 stalled projects. Since then, 19 have been reactivated, and three have been fully completed, including the Mararaban Jama, Millionaires Junction Bridge Secretariat Junction Flyover, and the Shendam Township Bypass.
“These initiatives are solely financed by the Plateau State government,” he affirmed, dismissing any association with World Bank funding.
The commissioner outlined several key ongoing projects funded by the state, such as the Zawan Junction, Mararaban Jama Road with accompanying bridge construction, the revitalized Mangu-Kengyel-Lere Road after eight years of dormancy, Gungji Shoi Kwi Road, and the dualization of the old Airport Rayfield Road.
He also mentioned the state’s proactive role in improving certain federal roads, including Feringada Road and Mararaban Jama Federal Road, aimed at alleviating commuter difficulties.
Regarding the solar street lighting installations throughout Jos/Bukuru Metropolis, Hon. Laven clarified that these are not World Bank projects but are being carried out by Blue Camel Construction Company.
“More than 2,800 lamps and 1,800 poles have been set up in strategic locations such as Secretariat Junction to Mararaban Jama, Tin Junction, Rayfield to Raho Kanan, PRTV Roundabout, Golf Club to Rayfield Resort Terminus, Bauchi Road to University of Jos, and UTC Junction to Bauchi Road Bridge,” he detailed.
He further revealed that a new contractor has been engaged to expand the streetlight network by over 59 kilometers across the metropolis.
All these projects remain active under the supervision of the Ministry of Works and are fully financed by the Plateau State government.
