…CRS Comm for Works assures commuters of immediate intervention…
The Ogoja-Katsina Ala Federal Highway, once a vital artery connecting several states including Katsina Ala and Abuja, has become a scene of despair for commuters. A section of the highway in Bekwarra, Cross River State, has collapsed, leaving travelers stranded and creating a severe bottleneck in both vehicular and human movement. This situation contrasts sharply with the infrastructural improvements promised by both state and federal authorities, as frustration grows among those caught in the disruption.
For days, this failed portion of the highway has caused significant delays and reduced traffic flow in and out of the state. Commuters are now left navigating alternate routes through local communities, but these detours have come at an unexpected cost. According to Cletus Ogah, a frequent traveler, local youth have seized the opportunity to set up makeshift checkpoints along the bypasses, collecting tolls from weary drivers.
“We pay between 500 and 1,000 naira per checkpoint, and the number of checkpoints keeps growing daily,” Ogah lamented. The financial strain has further compounded the difficulties faced by commuters, many of whom are already grappling with the impact of prolonged delays and rising transportation costs.
Ugbong Albert, another commuter, expressed his frustration with efforts to reason with the youth. “Weโve tried talking to them, but they refuse to budge. They claim theyโre maintaining the roads and preventing heavy-duty vehicles from damaging them further, as the alternate routes are not strong enough for such traffic,” he explained. The impasse has left many travelers in a difficult position, as the deteriorating conditions show no signs of immediate repair.
Despite claims of road maintenance, our reporter observed a troubling compromise as some trucks were allowed to pass through these routes after paying larger sums. Ismaila Mohammed, a truck driver, revealed that heavy vehicles are charged between 3,000 and 5,000 naira to access the detours, underscoring the chaotic and opportunistic nature of the situation.
The consequences of this impasse go beyond tolls and delays. Two trucks carrying goods were seen stuck in the precarious roads, while another, laden with beverages, had capsized, spilling its entire cargo. These incidents highlight the risks posed by the poor condition of the alternate routes, which are ill-suited for the volume and weight of the vehicles attempting to use them.
As the impasse drags on, the economic toll is mounting. The stranded goods and disrupted transport have led to significant losses for traders and businesses that rely on timely delivery of supplies. The absence of swift governmental intervention has left many wondering how much longer this critical highway will remain in such disrepair.
In response to the growing outcry, our reporter attempted to contact the state Commissioner for Works Hon. Ankpo Pius for an official statement on the government’s plan to address the situation. Hon. Ankpo assured commuters of immediate response to the situation. According to him, “I am currently in Ogoja, I have visited the failed section of the road, we have analysed the place and I can assure you that work is commencing immediately”.
“It’s a federal road no doubt but we cannot allow the suffering by our people to continue. As it stands, economic activities has been stalled for days and we as a government we consider the welfare of our people first, hence, the “People First” mantra of His Excellency Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu must be followed to the later”, he concluded.
The dire state of the Ogoja-Katsina Ala Highway is a stark reminder of the pressing need for timely infrastructure maintenance and responsive governance. Without swift action as promised by the Hon. Commissioner, the current impasse threatens to escalate, deepening the challenges faced by commuters and further stifling economic activity in the region which he said will not escalate beyond the current state.
