Editor
The Kaduna Western Bypass has become a nightmare for motorists, with over 100,000 heavy trucks passing through daily, claiming lives and causing immense damage to vehicles. The road, awarded to Dantata & Sawoe, a giant construction company, during the Buhari regime, is yet to be completed, sparking outrage among residents and commuters. ¹ ² ³
The bypass, designed to ease traffic pressure and promote economic activity, has instead become a corridor of pain, littered with potholes, construction delays, and traffic disorder. The U-turn close to Dahiru Bauchi U-turn has turned into a death trap, with lives and property worth millions lost daily.
The contract for the reconstruction of the bypass was awarded to Dantata & Sawoe, with an initial cost of N16 billion in 2002, later increased to N38.19 billion in 2017, and further augmented to N74.649 billion in 2019. Despite the improved security situation, work on the project remains slow, with no clear completion date.
Residents and road users have accused the Federal Government and the contractor of negligence and insensitivity to their plight. The Kaduna State Council of the National Union of Road Transport Workers has appealed to the Federal Government to expedite action on the construction and rehabilitation of roads in the state to curb the recurring loss of lives and property. ⁴
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has announced measures to alleviate traffic congestion along the Kaduna Bypass Expressway, including deploying additional staff to monitor and manage traffic. However, commuters continue to face hardships, with some spending hours stuck in traffic. ⁵
The road’s deplorable condition has also led to increased transportation costs, with fares rising by over 30% in recent times. Traders and business owners are counting losses, as goods perish during delays.
Dantata & Sawoe, the construction company, has a reputation for delivering landmark projects in Nigeria, with over 40 years of experience. However, the slow pace of work on the Kaduna Bypass has raised concerns about accountability and contract execution. ⁶
The Kaduna State Government has acknowledged the challenges and assured residents that efforts are underway to address the situation. Governor Uba Sani has initiated measures to centralize motor parks and improve road safety.
As the situation continues to worsen, residents are demanding answers: When will the Kaduna Bypass be completed? What measures will be taken to hold those responsible accountable? Would you like to know more about the project’s timeline or the government’s plans to address the issue?
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