As many communities are submerged in the current floods making it impossible for travelers to the north from the south, the Kogi State Government has opened up a 5-km alternate route in Nyamanyama Village along Ganaja-Ajaokuta Road to serve as a bye-pass.
The action has been taken by the Kogi State Flood Disaster Response Team as the water levels are fast approaching the danger threshold.
The team is headed by the State’s Deputy Governor, Joel Salifu Oyibo
Governor Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo had earlier directed the Team to immediately open up an alternate road to ensure that motorists do not suffer from the hardship of possible blockage of the main road by the increasing level of flood waters in the area.
The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring that motorists and passengers are not subjected to hellish experiences on the road.
The Commissioner for Works and a member of the Team, Mohammed Yusuf, expressed satisfaction with the progress of work on the road, saying that the measure had shown “responsive governance on the part of the governor.”
This was even as the
Commissioner for Information and Communications, who is also a member of the team, Kingsley Fanwo, told newsmen after inspecting the work today, October 6, that the flood has already reached a devastating stage at the moment.
He said that the popular Ganaja-Ajaokuta Road remained the gateway to the South East and South South Nigeria, and that it is used by hundreds of thousands of commuters every day.
“Over the years, commuters went through hell on that road in flood periods. But this measure is no doubt a saviour. The flood is already devastating. “Properties worth billions have already been lost. Houses, farmlands and other valuables have been washed away. Only 25 per cent of Ibaji Local Government is above water level right now. “The remaining 75 per cent are under the water. “Also, the entire Kupa District has been submerged. Ajaokuta, Gegu, Edeha and many other communities are already counting their losses.
“The Federal Government should come to the rescue of Kogi State. Our resources are stretched as we strive to save the situation,” Fanwo said.
