The transportation difficulties and sufferings residents of Aria and Zadawa communities of Zaki and Misau local government areas of Bauchi State have been undergoing as a result of the destruction of roads and culverts by the 2022 flood disaster in the state will now be history.
Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) embarked on massive reconstruction, and rehabilitation of the affected roads in the communities to open up the communities again.
In 2022, flooding destroyed 26 roads across Bauchi State thereby causing transportation difficulties in the affected communities. The worst-hit local governments are Zaki, Gamawa, Shira, Jama’are, Misau, Kirfi and Alkaleri.
Sama’ila Bako, ward head of Aria said the affected road linked many Bauchi LGAs along the axis and other neighbouring states – Jigawa, Kano and Yobe States – took a toll on farmers and traders exposing them to untold difficulties.
“During the flooding, we lost food and property that cannot be quantified but we are grateful now that FERMA is constructing a culvert that will stand the test of time and pave ways for water to move freely,” he recalled pointing to some of the farms affected by the disaster.
Shehu Mu’azu, another resident explained that everything came to a standstill when the road was washed off. “Many people plying the road come from different axes like Mai-gatari in Jigawa state through to Niger Republic and Yobe states to the market but unfortunately when the rain came, the road collapsed.”
He added, “We are very grateful to the government for coming to our rescue, we are so overwhelmed and pray God bless and reward the government for coming to our aid.”
Mohammed Sakuwa revealed that businesses, farming and transportation suffered unimaginable setbacks, commenting on FERMA for rehabilitating the road.
Similarly, Mr Tukur Abubakar, a resident of Zadawa, recounted how the students, farmers, traders and herders used to be stranded for days anytime there was a downpour due to the deplorable condition of the road.
He said the rehabilitated 8-kilometres road would boost both the economic and academic endeavours of the people of the area.
Nanpan Joroh, Engineer in charge of the FERMA Bauchi Office, explained that the federal government had given approval for two out of the five locations most affected by the flood.
“We are going to construct three-cell box culverts and two-cell box culverts at this location while waiting for approval for the remaining three locations so that the roads will be motorable for the road users.
“These two-cell and three-cell box culverts we are constructing here will take care of the flow of water in this area and prevent the people as well as the road from flooding,” he said.
Speaking on the 8 kilometres of road rehabilitation in Zadawa community, Joroh explained that the road which linked many communities in the area was at 50 per cent completion.
He assured that the project which commenced in 2022 would be completed within the next one month.
