A 15-kilometre road project along the Karu corridor of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has eased traffic congestion, reduced flooding and improved business activities in the area, residents and commuters have said.
The project, executed by indigenous contractor Abdul-Val Nigeria Limited, stretches from the Karu Interchange on the Abuja-Keffi Expressway to Customs Clinic Junction.
It also covers DSS Road, NIA Road, EFCC Road, Primus Hospital Road and Old CBN Quarters Road.
Residents and motorists previously using the co rridor said they faced severe traffic congestion, poor drainage and flooding, particularly during the rainy season.
A shop owner, Mrs Chinyere Obasi, said the improved road had positively affected businesses in the area.
“Before, the road wasn’t all that good. And there was nothing like the street lights. But now, as you can see, the road is okay. And our businesses, by the grace of God, are even better than before,” she said.
Obasi said the improved road had also made movement around the area easier.
A teacher, Anita Ogunwunmi, said the project had reduced the time she spent commuting to work.
“Before, the congestion on the road was so bad. When rain falls like this, we can’t pass here, but now, everywhere is free. It’s better. We are happy,” she said.
Ogunwunmi said she previously had to leave home very early because of traffic but could now leave later without fear of being delayed.
“The route is faster. Before, I used to leave very early to come to work, but now I can leave much later. There’s no hold-up, there’s no traffic. It’s free. The road is free; it’s better,” she said.
Another road user, engineer Johnpaul Adamu, said the corridor had previously been difficult to navigate because of poor drainage, flooding and traffic congestion.
“Well, this road has been a major challenge in Karu. If you can remember, 12 months ago, this place was not like this,” Adamu said.
He said the completed project had significantly improved movement along the route.
“Now, wow, this is, let me say, this city now. We are happy. The infrastructure is working; there are streetlights. If you come here by 12 midnight, you’ll think this is afternoon,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Project Manager of Abdul-Val Nigeria Limited, Hacı Cengiz, said the project demonstrated the capacity of indigenous contractors to execute major road projects.
Cengiz said the Karu project was the second major project completed by the company, following the Ushafa road project.
He said the company completed the Ushafa project, originally scheduled for 18 months, in seven months.
According to him, the Karu project involved the dualisation of about 15 kilometres of road and had been completed in full.
Cengiz said the company had ensured the availability of materials and equipment required for the project.
He also disclosed that the project had created employment opportunities for members of the host communities.
“Up till now, about 259 workers are working. Especially, the majority are from the community. Where we are working, we are employing from the community,” he said.
Cengiz said workers engaged on the project also patronised businesses within the host communities.
He urged continued support for indigenous contractors, saying locally owned companies helped retain technical expertise, experience and equipment in Nigeria.
