News Investigators/ Residents and commuters in Mararaba, Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, on Wednesday expressed concern over worsening traffic situation on the Abuja-Keffi Expressway due to ongoing flyover construction.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the demolition of the old Mararaba Bridge and narrowing of lanes due to the construction have caused multi-hour gridlocks for commuters between Nasarawa and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
NAN reports that the ongoing construction of N39 billion Mararaba Twin Flyover has triggered frustration among residents, commuters and business owners along the Abuja-Keffi corridor.
The 2.6-kilometre project was inaugurated by Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule with an 18-month completion timeline, but intensive expansion work has severely disrupted daily movement.
Residents said the development has resulted in longer hours on the road, increased transport fares and reduced productivity.
They added that the prolonged traffic had taken a toll on their emotional well-being, as many now leave home earlier than usual and return later than usual.
According to a commuter, Harrison Olayemi, the shuttle from Ado to Area 1, which usually takes less than an hour can now stretch to over three hours depending on the time of day.
Mr Olayemi said road users continue to face disruptions in their daily activities, loss of work hours, with the hours-long traffic congestion taking a toll on their health.
He said he leaves home much earlier in anticipation of prolonged stay on traffic, adding that the situation often repeats itself on his return journey.
According to him, the daily stress has become unbearable as he arrives at work already exhausted.
Miss Joy Friday, a commuter, said the traffic situation led to increase in fares, forcing commuters to spend above budget.
According to her, drivers now charge more because they now make fewer shuttles in addition to increased fuel prices.
“I used to spend about N400 to get to Abacha Road from One Man Village, but now I spend around N800, sometimes N1,500.
“The amount I spend every day has become a serious financial burden,” she said.
Another resident, Ibrahim Rilwan, said the traffic had affected his personal life as he now spends several hours commuting between home and work.
“Sometimes, I leave home early in the morning and return already exhausted.
“The time I should spend resting or with my family is now spent on the road.
“It is really frustrating because you don’t know exactly how long the journey will take,” he said.
Mrs Nkem Onyibe, a resident, said the situation had also affected her mental well-being, with daily uncertainty and prolonged time in traffic leaving her stressed out.
“Even the escape routes we use to bypass traffic have become congested, leaving residents and daily commuters facing massive delays and hours on the gridlock,” she said.
Similarly, Mrs Lois Oyewole, a commuter, said she feels anxious whenever she has to use the route.
She said she feels discouraged each morning remembering she has to endure being stuck in traffic.
“Before leaving work, you are already worried about how you will get home. By the time you finally arrive you are tired and frustrated.
“Navigating Mararaba daily continues to be an ultimate test of patience and endurance,” she said.
Meanwhile, some residents acknowledged that in spite of the challenges, the flyover, when completed, would provide a long-term solution to persistent traffic congestion in the area.
Mallam Dogo Sambo, a retired civil servant, commended the government for the project, noting that residents would have a breath of fresh air upon completion.
Also, Talatu Maisamari, a businesswoman and mother of four, also expressed gratitude to the government, saying that the flyover was long overdue.
Miss Maisamari, however, urged the road users to exercise more patience and maintain orderliness as construction continues.
NAN