Borno Government said it had spent N195 million to construct two bridges on Ngadda River to link communities in Maiduguri.

Alhaji Muhammad Sanda, Permanent Secretary, state Ministry of Works, said this while inspecting the bridges on Friday.

Ngadda River spans several kilometres in Maiduguri and flows into the Lake Chad Basin.

Alau dam is built on the river to enhance irrigation, fisheries and water supply to the city.

Sanda said the bridges were constructed to link Budum-Gamboro market and Maiduguri.

The permanent secretary said people in the area had relied on wooden canoes to cross the river due to lack of bridge linking the communities to Maiduguri.

Meanwhile, Malam Babagana Bakura, a canoe operator for the past 13 years, commended the state governor for the construction of the bridges, saying they would ease transportation difficulties for people in the area. (NAN)