By Stephen Adeleye.
The Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has commenced the repairs on the deteriorating Anyigba-Ankpa-Otukpo road, which traverses Kogi and Benue States.
The Managing Director of FERMA, Engr. Chukwuemeka Agbasi, disclosed this when a visit to the Onu Ankpa, Alhaji Abdulmalik Umar, after an inspection tour to the dilapidated roads on Wednesday
Agbasi, who was represented by FERMA Roads Maintenance Engineer in Kogi, Engr. Muktar Abdulrahim, informed the traditional ruler of their mission to repair the road.
According to him, the repairs prompted by the complaints from road users over the poor state of the federal highway.
He said that the degradation of sections of the Itobe-Anyigba-Ankpa-Otukpo road was largely due to the high volume of heavy-duty vehicles using the route.
“The road serves as a crucial link connecting the South-South, South-East, and parts of Eastern Kogi State to Lokoja, the state capital, and further to Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“Its economic significance cannot be overstated, as it serves as a vital artery for trade, connecting several commercial hubs, and is also a center for coal mining activities,” he said.
He noted that FERMA officials had in July 2024, carried out an assessment survey of the road, after which the management resolved to quickly begin the repairs.
“The road was constructed in the 1980s, and the load it now bears far exceeds its original design capacity.
“With the decline of the railway system, heavy goods that would have been transported by train are now moved by trucks, placing more pressure on the road.
“Ankpa, a mining hub, attracts heavy-duty vehicles from within and outside Nigeria to transport coal, further straining the road.
“The use of a lateritic base has also contributed to the road’s rapid deterioration. Once cracks form and water seeps in, the damage worsens.
“So, we are now introducing a stone base, which will be stronger and more durable, he said.
Muktar assured that the repairs would significantly improve safety on the road, reduce travel time, lower vehicle maintenance costs, and minimise breakdowns.
He reaffirmed FERMA’s commitment to ensuring total maintenance of roads, delivering quality jobs, despite budget constraints.
In his response, the Onu Ankpa, Alh. Abdulmalik Umar, expressed his gratitude to FERMA’s managing director and his team, for the agency’s concern for the people.
The traditional ruler described the intervention as timely, given the damage caused by heavy trucks, and urged the agency to ensure the road received a lasting solution.
The royal father also prayed for success in FERMA’s efforts.
The FERMA also team inspected the reinstatement of a washed-out Culvert at CH.41+000 along the Okene-Adogo-Ajaokuta road in Kogi State, where work was currently in progress.
