The Kaduna State Council of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) has called on the Federal Government to urgently accelerate the construction and rehabilitation of key roads in the state to curb the frequent loss of lives and property.
The State Secretary of the Union, Alhaji Hassan Ibrahim, made the appeal during an interview with newsmen on Wednesday in Kaduna.
According to him, the union continues to record frequent road accidents, particularly along the Abuja-Kaduna highway and the Kaduna Western Bypass, due to the slow progress of ongoing road works.
“We are appealing to the Federal Government to urgently intervene and compel the construction companies to complete these projects without further delay, in order to alleviate the suffering of motorists and commuters,” Ibrahim said.
He lamented that the poor state of the roads has forced some union members, especially those operating smaller vehicles, to abandon their routes in Kaduna and relocate to the Zuba-Abuja corridor in search of safer and more viable roads.
Ibrahim further urged the Federal Government to put in place stricter policies that would hold contractors accountable and ensure the timely completion of road projects, particularly given the high volume of traffic on these routes.
He also commended Governor Uba Sani for his efforts in centralising all motor parks across Kaduna, describing the move as a step towards improving transport coordination and safety.
The union, he said, remains committed to partnering with the state government and security agencies to promote safer road transport in the state.
Ibrahim also appealed to the general public and travelers to use only designated motor parks, avoid boarding vehicles along the roadside, and ensure they complete the passengers’ manifest during transit for their own safety.
