By Francis Nansak
Residents of Karu, Mararaba, and Masaka ,all from Karu LGA in Nasarawa State are sounding the alarm over the alarming rate of road accidents on the Mararaba/Keffi road expansion project.
Despite being a much-needed infrastructure development, the construction has turned into a death trap, claiming lives and leaving many injured.
A recent accident involving a tricycle claimed the lives of a twin and the rider, while their mother that secured severe injury lies critically ill in a coma. This incident has brought to the forefront the concerns of residents, who are frustrated with the slow pace of the construction and the lack of consideration for road users.
Richard Zaki from Kuchikau and Shokolo Mai-Riga are stakeholders in the area ,are decrying the government’s negligence, citing the daily motor accidents, dust-related illnesses, and loss of lives. They are calling for urgent action to address the situation, including improved road safety measures,Providing designated lanes for road users and ensuring proper signage to prevent accidents and as well as faster completion and allocating adequate funds to the contractor to expedite the construction process.
“Nighttime construction should be consider to minimize disruptions to traffic and reduce the risk of accidents.
” To be frank with you the level of the construction is of quality but more attention should be given by concerned authorities to free the road of barricades in order to ease movement of persons motorists on this very busy highway into the fct” He added.
Richard who is a community leader and a town planner echoed the concerns of residents, emphasizing the need for a more efficient and safe construction process. He also appeal to the government to take drastic measures to curtail the rate of accidents and ensure the project’s timely completion.
Our correspondent observed and report that the Mararaba/Keffi road expansion project has become a double-edged sword, bringing both development and death. The government and contractor must take immediate action to address the concerns of residents and ensure a safer, more efficient construction process.
