Despite several contract awards, Jos-Saminaka road remains deplorable

From the administration of Umaru Musa Yar’adua, through Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Muhammadu Buhari, and the present government of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the federal government has consistently ignored the Kaduna-Maraban-Jos-Pambeguwa-Saminaka-Jos Road, despite multiple contract awards for its repair.

Trapped in a daily ordeal are vehicles, motorcycles and other conveyances struggling to reach their destinations along the Jos-Saminaka Road that connects part of the North-west and North-central states of Kaduna and Plateau.

Vehicle drivers find themselves in a daily tug-of-war; a battle between machines and the elements of nature eager to trap them in mud during the rainy season. Many times, vehicles on the road are found to have fallen on their sides; evidence of a lost battle with the slippery surface and massive potholes filled with rainwater.

The deplorable condition of the famous Jos-Saminaka Road, a federal highway, has for more than two decades remained a death trap. It continues to deteriorate, becoming a nightmare for commuters and residents of communities along the long stretch of road.

Once a busy route, connecting Kaduna and Plateau, the route has become a shadow of itself, with many commuters avoiding it due to its danger, physical exhaustion on drivers and passengers as well as high vehicular maintenance.

The Kaduna-Maraban-Jos-Pambeguwa-Saminaka-Jos Road is approximately 199.50km. However, commuters say the Saminaka-Jos portion of the road has faced the most deterioration. Weekend Trust commissioned a reporter from Jos to examine the 70km part of the Jos-Saminaka highway and assess its current situation as well as the impact on the road users.

During the visit, our correspondent observed that many vehicles now avoid the route, except for heavy-duty trucks who try to meander through the large potholes. During various stops at communities along the road to speak with drivers and locals, the interactions revealed widespread frustration and concerns about safety, economic impact, and a dire need for intervention.

Ifah Sunday Ele