ibironkeeniola 
The Benue State Government says it has approved the release of 1.5 billion as counterpart funds for the kick-off of the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) in the state.
RAAMP succeeds the erstwhile Rural Access and Mobility Project (RAMP) and it is financed by the World Bank, the African Development Bank (AfDB), and the Agence Francaise de Development (AFD).
Speaking to newsmen last weekend, Commissioner for Agricultural and Natural Resources, Dr. Timothy Ijir, revealed that an initial sum of N250million has been provided to kick-start the project.
He said the funds would facilitate the procurement of vehicles and other essential materials, as well as the construction of a befitting office for the programme’s administration.
“We have also done the selection of the roads to be constructed through an engineering consultant and also done the environmental studies.
“We have hired the project coordinator; accountant; infrastructural engineers and other necessary management staff for the project.
“What is left is for Benue state government to award a contract for the design of the marked rural roads for construction as soon as our funding partners are ready,” he said.
Ijir noted that the delay in RAAMP was due to a slight hiccup in the provision of funds by those he referred to as “our funding partners”.
He, however, assured that plans were in place to ensure that the project positively impacts the lives of rural dwellers in the state.
SOURCE: AGRONIGERIA