By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Group under the auspice of Network of Peace Journalists (NPJ), Kaduna state, has called on the Federal Government to urgently address the deteriorating state of Kaduna Western Bypass road, describing it as abandoned, death trap to vehicles and other road users due to it dilapidated condition.
According to the group, the abandoned road infrastructure has also become a breeding ground for accidents and collapsed trucks, primarily attributed to the worsening condition of the road riddled by over 1000 potholes.
Team leader of the NPJ, Ibrahima Yakubu, in statement Tuesday explained that during a comprehensive one-month survey conducted by the Networks of 50 volunteer media experts, it was revealed that truck drivers and large vehicles consistently avoid the road due to the persistent risk of accidents.
The statement added that breaking down of vehicles caused by the extensive deep- pothole, which started from flyover immediately after Cooperative College Kaduna (FCCK), Gonin-Gora to mando-round about near Nigerian Air force gate, are serious sources of worry.
“The survey by the team of journalists uncovered the deplorable nature of the federal highway, specifically the western bypass in Kaduna”, the stated, adding “it’s now a major public safety concern, causing severe disruptions in traffic flow.
“The current state of the Kaduna Western Bypass is a direct consequence of years of neglect and insufficient maintenance, with potholes, cracks, and uneven surfaces posing serious risks to all road users, especially heavy trucks.
“Truck drivers are forced to divert through the city, resulting in continuous traffic congestion and a significant spike in accidents.
“The media organizations that spend one month checking the daily update and falling down of big trucks at the bypass is urgently calling on the federal government to address the daily accidents that are causing immense hardship for passengers.
“We have many videos and photos of daily update of the road throughout one months of our survey.
“From last year till date,we have record hundreds of big trucks that fall down,causing huge lost of money”, they stated.
Therefore, the group appealed to the Federal Government to prioritize the rehabilitation of this vital transportation route. Immediate attention is crucial to ensure the safety of motorists, prevent further damage to vehicles, and avert potential disasters stemming from the deplorable state of the road.
“The Network of Peace Journalists remains vigilant in amplifying the alarm and advocating for swift and effective action to rectify the crisis on the Kaduna Western Bypass.
“We will keep using our media to still remind the state and federal government of abandoned Kaduna express bypass road on the need to revisit the high way.
The team called the 3 Kaduna senators to equally remind the federal government for forgotten Kaduna express bypass road condition”, it stated.
