By AbdurRaheem Sa’ad Dembo
My recent visit to Federal Capital Territory, Abuja where my friend had to drive from town to Gwagwalada was not just an ugly experience but also the one that would continue to linger in my memory about the inconvenience encountered
The roads to Gwagwalada is nothing to write home about as there were no street lights along the roads.Driving became so unease for my host, because there was downpour.It is not a set back to be talking about bad roads in the Federal Capital Territory, but to alert the authority that they can still do better in fixing Abuja.
Furthermore,It is not only those who lives in Maitama,Wuse and others that deserve better environment accompanied with good roads and infrastructure. As a Nation we must embrace holistic development. Of course in any part of the world there are main cities and suburbs.
From the Airport Road after University of Abuja no street lights even around VIO where there are street lights but they were not working that night. It is pathetic to see that there are still infrastructural deficit in the Federal Capital Territory.Honestly,driving from town to Gwagwalada was a hell on Monday night last week.
I was not the one driving but I could sensed serious fatigue on the side of my friend, who was on the stirring. Everywhere was dark, some motorists found it difficult to go up in order to make a U-turn thereby causing driving against traffic which is one way driving This could lead to collision.
Significantly,security and safety on this road in the night are heightened with skirmishes, because no street lights; it is only when there are street lights one can talk about CCTV.Without lights no CCTV can see anything except during the day Though, there were pockets of police checkpoints, which was in order. At least to checkmate the activities of criminals and to ensure safety of motorists.
It is unfortunate that even the CCTV contract that was awarded during Jonathan’s administration was a hoax as the the project remains invisible till date .Our procurement law should be strengthened in such away that it would ensure practical completion of all projects. It is not something of joy to see a country like Nigeria where millions of dollars would be borrowed for CCTV but at the end of the day it was all sham.
Having entered Gwagwalada, the roads inside was nothing to write home about. In other words, the roads are terrible, deplorable and terrifying. I still wonder what the Gwagwalada Area council is using their money for. Accountability is relegated to the background in our system, if not how can road in such an important local council be wearing such a horrible look.
At this juncture, the minister of Federal Capital Territory, Abuja Nyesom Wike has a lot of work to do.Abuja must be safe for everyone to live in .He has been a Minister and a Governor before, so his experience should translate to better performance in Abuja. Nigerians would not accept any excuse from him on the event of his failure, because he is not a novice to governance.
Finally,he should ensure that all necessary infrastructural facilities are provided for those living in the City and outskirts, most especially good roads network.
