Some residents of Sarkin-Noma community in Lokoja government area of Kogi State have cried out over stoppage of work on a kilometer road project awarded by the Nigeria Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI).
The road project is being facilitated by Senator Dino Melaye, representing Kogi West Senatorial District at the Senate.
A cross section of some residents, who spoke on the development, said their concerns followed the recent evacuation of working materials left at the construction site by the contractor after abandoning the road project about two months ago.
A member of the community, Alhaji Usman Bello said they were overwhelmed with joy when the community road project stretching from NATACO through to Felele was awarded by NBRRI.
He said the project, which also included the construction of drains, however, stopped two weeks after the commencement of the project.
“The construction of the 1km Sarkin-Noma road and drains to link Felele road was awarded to ZO Nigeria Company LTD. It started with the pouring of gravel at the start-point of NATACO road but the delay in completing the project is giving us serious concern. They have come and removed their working materials, this is clear that they have abandoned the road”, he said.
Solomon David, another member of the community, said the road project was critical to the socioeconomic development of the community.
“We have been suffering on this road and we realized the immense benefits this project will be to us as residents of this neighbourhood and the development process of the local government in general. But now, that is hanging”, he said.
“Our problem has been compounded. We are having difficulties moving out of our houses whenever it rains. Children in this neighbourhood cannot come out to play anymore.
“We are therefore using this medium to call on NBRRI who may not be aware of the retrogressive attitude of the contractor handling the project to as a matter of urgent public interest ensure the early completion of the road”, he said.
When contacted, Gideon Ayodele who is Media Aide to Senator Dino Melaye, facilitator of the project, told North Central Trust that the road project has not been abandoned.
He explained that the contractor is awaiting the release of funds to continue with the work.
According him, Senator Dino Melaye has never and will never allow any of the project he facilitates for the benefit of his constituents to be abandoned.
He urged members of the community to be rest assured that work would resume on the road once fund is released for the project.
Credit: Daily Trust
