THE UNFINISHED PROJECTS OF FERMA IN KOGI STATE
In a bid to reduce the suffering of travelers, road users and carnage on our roads during the yuletide period in 2021, the administration of President Muhammad Buhari directed Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to rehabilitate major federal roads across the country. The Okene – Lokoja road as well as Okene – Ajaokuta roads were inclusive of the government policy.
I have to commend FERMA to have mobilized to the roads and repaired the critical sections leaving behind unfinished projects in other critical areas that are in total disrepairs. The cases in point are the sections of Okene – Lokoja road from Itakpe Junction to Okene town and from Adogo to Ajaokuta. These sections of the roads are begging for attention to make them free from vehicular burden and night mare to travelers.
It is on this note that I appeal to FERMA to return to the two roads and complete the unfinished projects as their completion means enhancement of mobility of people, goads and services as well as facilitation of rural farmers in transportation and movement of their farm produce to the markets. It is not an exaggeration to say that where there is good transportation system, it is one of the indices of boosting economy of the area and the Nation. The bad state of federal roads in Nigeria does not contribute maximally to the economic growth as movement is on snail speed with unnecessary meandering of vehicles to avoid potholes which serve as kidnap points by kidnappers and armed robbers and at times cause avoidable accidents.
May I appeal to the Executive Chairmen of Adavi, Okehi, Ajaokuta and Okene, Messer Hon. Joseph Omuya Salami, Hon. Abdulraheem Ozovehe Ohiare, Hon. Mustapha Aliyu Aka’aba and Hon. (Mrs) Barikisu Avosuahi Aliyu respectively to kindly liaise with relevant authorities especially the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing and FERMA to return to the roads and do the needful.
The government has social contract with the people of whom provision of motorable roads and other social services will assist the citizens of the country to be more alive in carryout their civic duties of paying tax, maintenance of government infrastructures in their localities as well as obey the constituted authority. It is when the government is alive to her statutory responsibilities that the citizens will be willing to reciprocate by being partners in the wheel of the progress and development of the country.
I want FERMA to remember that this critical sections on Okene – Lokoja road from Itakpe junction to Okene town and Okene – Ajaokuta road from Adogo to Ajaokuta are in serious need of attention and repairs.
By: Obeito S. Hassan
HOD Education, Ajaokuta LGA.