As part of its commitment towards boosting the socio-economic development of Gombe State in the area of infrastructure, Ashaka Cem Plc has commenced the construction of an eight-kilometre road project to its coal mine site in Maiganga community, Akko Local Government Area (LGA) of the State.
The cost of the project, which has been awarded to a local contractor known as UniContinental Limited, is put at N700 million, and the contractor has concluded all preliminary work and is ready to commence construction immediately, with estimated completion period of 12 months.
Flagging-off the road construction at a recent ground-breaking ceremony at Maiganga junction in Kumo, Akko LGA, Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo assured Ashaka Cem Plc of his government’s support in executing all its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects in all parts of the state.
He commended the cement manufacturer for its foresight which he said was aimed at helping and developing the people of Gombe State.
The Governor who called on the neighbouring communities to cooperate with the company also appealed to Ashaka Cem to always ensure that it carries its host communities along in the execution of programmes and projects in the benefiting communities.
Speaking earlier, the Chairman, Board of Directors of Ashaka Cem Plc, Mallam Suleiman Yahyah said the project was an initiative of the company that was aimed at contributing towards the socio-economic development of Gombe State in the area of infrastructure.
He said the project was the first of its kind by any corporate firm in Northern Nigeria as it was initiated based on the recognition of the impact of touching the lives of the people, adding that “the anticipated benefits of this road are quite enormous, with huge potential to boost economic, agricultural and social activities in this area”.
According to him, “The choice of concrete in the construction of this road is deliberate, to showcase the innovative capability of LafargeHolcim as being experienced in other parts of the world. The Maiganga road is capable of boosting economic, agricultural and social activities in the area.”
He said the company, which has remained undeterred in efforts aimed at improving the livelihood of its host communities through provision of basic amenities and infrastructure despite the challenges posed by terrorist activities in the region, was able to expend the sum of N156 million on projects in its host communities in Ashaka and Maiganga; in the areas of education, healthcare and economic empowerment.
The chairman explained that “AshakaCem’s involvement in this novel project would not come as a surprise to any keen follower of our corporate evolution in recent time. One of the core values of LafargeHolcim, the world’s leader in cement manufacturing, is sustainable development.
“AshakaCem Plc, being a subsidiary of Lafarge Africa Plc and member of LafargeHolcim, upholds this great value and therefore gives great attention and high commitment to care for its local communities”, he added.
Credit: Thisday
