Work to begin on Ganaja Road immediately flood recedes

In bid to secure road infrastructure in the State and to save Nigerians from the sufferings on the Ganaja and other roads that was overtaken by the 2020 Flood, the Kogi State Commissioner for Works and Housing, Engr. Abubakar S. Ohere has assured citizens of Gov. Yahaya Bello’s immediate plans for rehabilitation of the roads soon as the water level subsides.

Ohere made this statement in Lokoja today while responding to questions from the Press on the deplorable condition of Ganaja Road and the State Government’s plans. He said although it is a federal road, just like the present administration of Gov. Yahaya Bello has done in time past by providing palliatives to the Federal Road, work would begin on the road soon.

“As soon as we get the assurances that the water level has finally subsided, the Ministry of Works working with the Federal Ministry of Works, whose responsibility it is to fix the Ganaja road, we will commence work on the road and all other roads within Lokoja and other affected areas in the State including some selected Federal roads.

“Gov. Bello’s passion for fixing the Ganaja road over time is hinged on the direct bearing on the State’s economy” He said.

Speaking clearly on the blame shifted to the State Government on the deplorable condition of Ganaja Road, Ohere revealed that the road in question is not supposed to be under the mentainance of the State Government let alone the Ministry of Works or Kogi Road Mentainance Agency (KOGROMA) whose primary responsibility it is to maintain State roads.

Attesting to the much work of the Agency, he disclosed that a lot of palliatives through KOGROMA is what is keeping our roads, said this is consequent upon the benevolent nature Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, the Executive Governor of Kogi State.

Ohere in his explanation, urged for extensive investigation on the status of the Ganaja road, saying that the said Ganaja road is a Federal road and that it has been approved by President Mohammad Buhari under the Executive Order 8 for Dangote Company through Tax concession to repair.

He lamented that Several months after the award of the road to three different contractors, none of them has begun work, pointing out that the deplorable situation of the road should be traced to the failure of the contractors to move to site.

He further noted that, in-depth investigation Particularly by the media will help in raising consciousness and to let the Public know that the Ganaja road is a Federal Road for which the state government has constantly given palliative that is now largely becoming unrealistic, said except a total reconstruction of the road is carried out, palliatives are no longer realistic on the road.

He however concluded by saying, “we are already grading the Bypass road and those in the 500 Units since last week to enable smaller vehicles to pass through without further obstructions, Ohere said.

The Commissioner described Gov. Yahaya Bello as a proactive leader who has made the rehabilitation of Federal Roads a priority, lamented that the Covid19 pandemic, the rains and the flood which is now an annual challenge has further worsened the state of roads in the state.

He however expressed optimistism that with the detail evaluation carried out on the State of roads in the State Capital and across the state by the Ministry, relief would soon come the way of the citizens.

While noting that the strategic location of the State as a gateway is putting a heavy stress on our roads, also disclosed that President Mohammad Buhari has under the Executive Order 8, granted the Ganaja and other roads in the state for repairs by the Dangote Group of Company through Tax concession.

He said the State Ministry and that of the Federal Ministry of Works have met, drew up necessary designs that would enable the road withstand the heavy traffic that criss cross the state on a daily basis.

The palliatives and maintenance by Gov. Bello on the Federal Government roads over the years, Engr. Ohere explained is because of the economic impact of such roads to the state, however says such palliatives are no longer realistic on the Ganaja road as what is required is a total reconstruction appealed for patience and understanding from the people.