The Directorate of Road Traffic Services has urged the Minister, Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to complete the 13.125km Apo-Karshi Road project for safety and security of lives and property.

The FCT Squadron leader, Vehicle Inspection Office, Mayors of the Federation, Dr Yusuf Suberu, made the appeal in an interview on Tuesday in Abuja.

Mr Suberu said that commuters, who come into Abuja from the neighbouring Nasarawa State on a daily basis, face excruciating pains, caused by the traffic gridlock on the AYA-Nyanya -Mararaba Expressway.

He said that thousands of people who reside in Karshi, Orozo, Gidan Mangoro, Kurudu, Waru, Madalla, Wassa, Kyami, Takushara, Chorin and other communities, would be direct beneficiaries of the road project if completed.

He also said that the congestion on the road had caused several incidents and unfortunate occurrences where many lives and property were lost.

He added that the incidents occurring, particularly during rush hours alone, was enough reason for the government to complete the road construction.

He urged that the government should also consider the condition and health of the motorists by ensuring the road construction was completed soon.

He said, “The pressing issues faced by the residents of Karshi have prompted this call for intervention from Wike as the FCT minister. Road network is a crucial incontrovertible infrastructure for the socio-economic and agricultural development of a nation, providing unhindered access to places of opportunities and services.

“In many of the developed countries, transportation plays a significant role in the ease of doing business and the government plays an integral role in the implementation and administration.

“The completion of the Apo-Karshi road is seen as crucial not only for alleviating the suffering of the residents of Orozo-Karshi but also for enhancing the restoration of the Abuja master plan.

“Numerous abandoned projects in the Kurudu-Orozo-Karshi axis, owned by Abuja residents, have been left incomplete due to the lack of accessible roads to the FCT.”

Mr Suberu affirmed that with a reputation as a no-nonsense leader, there was optimism that the FCT Minister would overcome any challenges and ensure the early successful completion of the Apo-Karshi road project.

He however, acknowledged the impact of the minister’s previous visit to Bwari, which reportedly led to improved security.

He said, “This is also a call for him to visit the Apo-Karshi road site to witness the challenges firsthand. It is believed that his visit can bring relief to the residents, similar to the positive outcomes observed in the Bwari axis. The collective hope is for an end to the suffering of the Orozo-Karshi axis residents and the emergence of smiles on their faces through the minister’s intervention.’’

The Apo-Karshi Road project was inaugurated by Kakatar Limited, an indigenous company, in 2011, with a completion period of 20 months. Meanwhile, it’s been over 13 years, and the project has yet to be completed.

(NAN)