By Newspointer News Desk – January 16, 2026
The Chairman of Bali Local Government Council in Taraba State, Hon. Habila Bala Balasa, has flagged off the construction of a 2-kilometre township road in Garba-Chede, a project described as a major step toward revamping critical infrastructure in the area after decades of neglect.
The road, which has been abandoned since the 1970s, is expected to significantly boost economic activities, improve transportation, and enhance socio-economic development in Garba-Chede and neighbouring communities within the local government area.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Hon. Balasa said the project was part of his administration’s commitment to addressing long-standing infrastructural challenges affecting grassroots development. He noted that the poor state of the road had over the years hampered trade, agriculture, and access to basic services for residents.
According to him, the reconstruction of the township road will ease the movement of people and goods, reduce transportation costs, and improve access to markets, schools, and healthcare facilities. He added that the project would further open up the area to investors and stimulate local economic growth.
Balasa emphasized that the road construction would also create employment opportunities for youths in the community, particularly during the construction phase, thereby contributing to youth empowerment and reduction of unemployment-related social vices.
The council chairman assured residents that the project would be executed in line with approved engineering standards and completed within the stipulated timeframe. He warned the contractor handling the project against compromising quality, stressing that his administration would not tolerate substandard work.
He called on the people of Garba-Chede to cooperate with the contractors and relevant authorities to ensure smooth execution of the project, adding that community ownership was key to sustainable development.
Community leaders and residents who spoke during the event expressed appreciation to the Bali Local Government chairman for what they described as a historic intervention. They said the road project would bring lasting relief to farmers, traders, motorists, and students who have endured decades of hardship.
The flag-off ceremony concluded with prayers for peace, unity, and the successful completion of the project, as residents expressed optimism that the road construction marked a new chapter of development for Garba-Chede and Bali Local Government Area at large.
