Bad roads, deteriorating infrastructure, worry FCT residents

Residents and motorists in the FCT on Wednesday expressed concern over the deterioration of infrastructure in the territory. The respondents expressed their views in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja. They, therefore, urged the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to take the necessary steps to immediately effect repairs on some portions of roads in Abuja, the capital city and its environs. They particularly described the condition of the roads in the six area councils as “embarrassing’’, as they do not befit a territory created to be a model for the states. Many roads within and outside the metropolis, have become impassable with some portions washed away by erosion or have become damaged. Some of the roads affected include Alex Ekwueme Way, particularly at the traffic light at the Jabi Motor Park Junction, Nnamdi Azikiwe Express Way at the NEPA Junction (Asokoro), towards the SSS Quarters. Also, Nnamdi Azikiwe link to Umar Musa Yar’Adua Express Way by the Velodrome of the National Stadium. Dahiru Ibrahim, a commercial driver who plies Kaduna-Abuja Road daily, said that his major headache every morning was the Jabi Park junction. “My car was bashed three times there as drivers move to meet up with the traffic light when it flashes green. “Nobody wants to be detained at a place unnecessarily; the authorities concerned should do something fast. “Jabi Park is one of the major sources of revenue generation centre for both the FCT and AMAC. Then why will FCTA not do their jobs as we have paid our bills?’’ Ibrahim asked. Caleb Dogara, a city taxi driver, noted that motorists coming from the Karu axis to the city centre had a hectic time at two junctions. “Most of us spend hours from the Asokoro Bridge to the NEPA junction because of the bad portions. “Some prefer to go through Aso Drive to burst out through Federal Secretariat which is faster if you are going that way. “We are calling on the FCTA and AMAC to live up to their responsibilities. People are paying their dues why then will the government not do its own part?,’’ he asked.