By: Monday Danladi, Bauchi
Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, on Monday, performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction and modernization of four major recreational parks in Bauchi metropolis.
The projects, valued at the sum of ₦4.68 billion, is aimed at providing areas of relaxation and fun catching for residents of Bauchi metropolis which has emerged as one of the fastest growing cities in the North-East subregion, witnessing influx of visitors on a daily basis.
The projects are the Golden Jubilee Park (formerly Eagle Sino), General Hassan Usman Katsina Park, Shehu Azare Park along Adamu Jumba Road, and Suleiman Adamu Park, named after the late Emir of Bauchi sited at the New GRA.
Speaking at the ceremony, former President Jonathan commended the Bauchi State Government for investing in recreational infrastructure which he said are needed to boost relaxation and union among the people.
He stressed that public parks were necessities rather than luxuries in modern urban planning as such facilities promote healthier living, strengthen communities and create economic opportunities.
Goodluck Jonathan urged residents to take ownership of the parks and protect them after completion, while commending the government, engineers, architects, contractors and other stakeholders involved in the projects.
Speaking earlier, the State Governor, Sen Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, said the projects are expected to be completed within 12 months, with 70 per cent payment already made to the contractors.
Bala Mohammed also said that the projects were part of his administration’s urban renewal and environmental sustainability programme designed to provide residents with safe and functional spaces for recreation, relaxation and community interaction.
The Governor described parks as essential public infrastructure “capable of improving environmental quality, promoting physical and mental wellbeing, strengthening social cohesion, attracting tourism and stimulating economic activities.”
He also directed the contractors to adhere strictly to approved engineering and landscaping standards, warning against delays and substandard work.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Housing and Environment, Rt Hon Danlami Ahmed Kawule, said that the aim of the project is to provide an atmosphere of socialization and relaxation for residents of Bauchi metropolis as well as visitors.
According to him, “We want our visitors to feel at home anytime they visit, let them feel like they are in Abuja or other big mordern cities.”
The Commissioner further said that the Governor has approved the creation of a Directorate of Recreational and Parks Management in the Ministry in order to ensure that the places are well maintained.
He also said that the four projects form part of the State’s broader urban development agenda, with the Golden Jubilee Park also serving as a landmark project linked to Bauchi’s 50th anniversary celebration.
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