The Catholic Archbishop of Jos, Most Rev. Mathew Audu, has constructed a major culvert linking Nabar and Zabir communities of Jos East Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau.

The archbishop constructed the culvert through the Social justice and Human Development for Peace Initiative (JDPC), Catholic Archdiocesan Rural and Urban Development Programme (CARUDEP)

Inaugurating the project on Saturday, Audu said that the gesture aimed at bringing succour to residents of the communities.

He explained that he was moved to construct the culvert during his 2025 pastoral visit to St. Leo Catholic Church located in the area.

He added that he noticed the inability of residents of the two communities to cummune with ease due to the deplorable state of roads in the area.

“I came here on pastorial visit and we were not able to pass; when I returned to Jos, I bacame very worried about the plight of the people in this area.

“I wondered how they go to hospitals, how do they go out if there is an event and what have you. So,  I got the motivation to construct this culvert.” He said.

The prelate, who called on the State Government to provide basic amenies in rural areas, promised to construct another culvert to link other major communities in Jos East.

“I promise to construct another culvert, but I want us to meet the government together. They are the ones saddled with the responsibility of providing basic amenies.

“I know that by the time the governor sees pictures of this work, he will send  contractors here to commence the construction of these roads immediately,”Audu added.

The archbishop, however, advised residents of the communities to unite and be peaceful, adding that the new culvert would not only connect them, but a symbol of love, unity and togetherness.

“Just as this culvert serves as a bridge between these communities, let it be a symbol of unity as well.

“With this culvert, it is now easier to pass from one community to the other; let’s allow our hearts to unite and work together for the common good.” He advised.

Earlier, Mr Arun Ajiji, a senior District Head in the area, thanked the archbishop for the gesture, adding that the culvert would boost economic activities and communal living in the area.

“I am very delighted to have witness this event today. We are grateful to the archbishop and the Catholic community in Jos.

“This will boost economic activities, particularly farming, the major occupation of our people,”he said.

Also speaking, Mr Markus Ussani, the Chairman of the LGA, represented by his Chief of Staff, Izang Adam, thanked the archbishop for the gesture.

He said that the move had complemented government’s efforts in easing the hardship of rural dwellers in the locality.