How erosion threatens Abuja roads

Some roads within Abuja are under threat by erosion thereby rendering them potentially dangerous for both motorists and pedestrians.  Among the places threatened by erosion are Ladi Kwali, Zone 4 Wuse, Jabi Airport bypass and a bridge at Area 3, Garki.  A resident, Abubakar Adetunji, said such threats will remain as long as government failed […]

Some roads within Abuja are under threat by erosion thereby rendering them potentially dangerous for both motorists and pedestrians. 

Among the places threatened by erosion are Ladi Kwali, Zone 4 Wuse, Jabi Airport bypass and a bridge at Area 3, Garki. 

A resident, Abubakar Adetunji, said such threats will remain as long as government failed to clear drainages and make the manholes freer to allow for easy passage of water. 

“I almost  fell into one along Jabi Airport Bypass not far from NOUN junction,” he said, adding that it would be difficult for pedestrians to use the road at night or during rainfall. 

However, an elderly man was not as lucky as Adetunji as he could not escape the big ditch in Ladi Kwali Street Zone 4, Wuse.

“It was an accident waiting to happen at Ladi Kwali/Sheraton Junction Zone 4. Yesterday, we had to rescue an elderly man from the pit, he could have died without the quick intervention of good Samaritans,” Halilu Usman tweeted recently.  

The residents decried the presence of the ditch some metres away from Sheraton Hotel which, they noted, attracts foreign nationals. 

A resident, Musa Aliyu, said it was important that the appropriate authorities worked on the ditch so that water can flow properly. “The junction is a popular one which attracts foreigners and bureau de change agents and as such it should not be left in that condition.”

City News reports that excavation work has commenced at Ladi Kwali Road point in Zone 4, Wuse. Residents said the road has been cordoned off by officials of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) as excavation of damaged drainage pipes has begun. 

However, Bulus Iliya said the excavation exercise which started over a week ago could take some time to be completed.  

“Authorities of the FCDA came here last week and started removing the damaged pipes which was as result of the erosion. They will extend it to the other side of the road and remove all the damaged pipes which in my calculation may take some time to complete,” he added.