Africa
COMMUTERS on Monday expressed frustration as gridlock hits Abuja-Keffi road in the early hours of Monday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the gridlock stretched from New Karu in Nasarawa State to Mogadishu Barracks in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Some of the commuters complained of finding it difficult to get public transport to their places of work largely as a result of the traffic jam.
The commuters, including workers and business persons, who recounted their ordeal, said they left home as early as 7:00 a.m. to go about their businesses but got caught up in gridlock.
Mr Godwin Odeh, a businessman, said it was disheartening to wake up on a Monday morning with enthusiasm only for gridlock to disrupt one’s plan.
He said, “today is Monday and we all know how people wake up in high spirit to go about their daily routines.
“We were all excited when the expansion of the road was done thinking it will ease our stress.
“Unfortunately you can see what we are going through this morning.
“What is annoying is that sometimes, nothing really causes the gridlock.
“For instance, I have called some of my friends who went out earlier than me this morning and they do not seem to know what is causing the gridlock,”he said.
A resident of Karu Site, FCT, who pleaded anonymity was seen desperately flagging vehicles, told NAN that she was not happy starting her week on a stressful note.
She said their excitement during the expansion of the road had been cut short, adding that nothing had really changed on the road.
She said, “I know gridlock is experienced in most part of the FCT, particularly on Mondays, but Abuja-Keffi road is notorious for gridlock.
“This leads to loss of man hour and disrupts one’s plans most times.
“The distance between Mararaba and Central Area in the FCT on a good day is about 15 minutes but we spend as much as two hours on the road sometimes.
“It is so stressful but most people do not have a choice than remain in the area because accommodation is more affordable here than the city centre.
“We are hopeful that there would be a lasting solution that will bring succour”
She said the gridlock was most times experienced between Kugbo and Mogadishu Barracks”, particularly during morning hours.
NAN reports that while commuters were expressing frustration, motorcyclists, popularly known as Okada, took advantage of the situation to make brisk gains.
An inquiry revealed that a ride between Kugbo and AYA cost a as much as N500, besides the risks of riding against traffic.(NAN)
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Tags: Abuja-Keffi Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Mogadishu Barracks
