By: Abdullahi Inuwa
Motorists and commuters in Katsina State have decried the deplorable condition of several federal roads, accusing the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) and the Federal Government of neglecting critical road infrastructure across the state.
Particular concern was raised over the Katsina–Kano highway, where road users described the stretch from the Katsina city entrance to Gidan Mutum Daya as one of the worst sections of the route due to numerous potholes and damaged portions that have made travel slow, difficult and hazardous.
Ironically, many motorists noted that the condition of the highway changes significantly after crossing into Kano State, where they said the road is in much better shape.
Speaking in interviews with ABC NEWS, Malam Salisu Umar and other motorists expressed frustration over what they described as years of neglect, saying the poor state of the road has increased travel time, damaged vehicles and exposed commuters to security risks.
“We don’t understand why this section in Katsina has been left to deteriorate while the Kano axis is in good condition. It appears Katsina has been abandoned,” one motorist said.
Other road users urged the Federal Government and FERMA to urgently rehabilitate the affected sections before the ongoing rainy season worsens the damage and leads to more accidents.
They called on the authorities to treat the reconstruction and maintenance of federal roads in Katsina as a priority, stressing that the highways are vital economic corridors linking the state with neighbouring states and the Niger Republic.
All efforts to contact FERMA state Coordinator in Katsina prove abortive.
The fact remains that fatal accident will continue to be recorded if nothing urgent is done do to the bad state of the road.
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