Wukari Resident Wants Alternative Routes For Heavy-Duty Trucks As Flyover Construction Begins

 

A concerned citizen, Yavala Yunana, has appealed to the Taraba State Government to ensure the provision of safe and durable alternative routes during the construction of the Wukari–Takum Junction Flyover, warning that heavy-duty trucks using diversion routes are causing damage to the town’s internal roads.

Yunana expressed concern that inadequate alternative routes appeared to have been provided before the commencement of the flyover project, forcing heavy-duty trucks to use existing roads and increasing pressure on Wukari’s road network.

He said the emergency diversion through Casino Hotel becomes impassable during rainfall, while vehicles frequently break down or become stuck along the route, creating additional difficulties for motorists and residents.

According to him, visible damage allegedly caused by heavy-duty trucks can be seen along the road from Federal University Wukari towards Ambassador Hotel, as well as the route linking Wukari Recreation Centre to Takum Junction.

He also identified the road from the Aku Uka’s Palace towards Tsokundi Roundabout as another area showing signs of damage associated with the movement of heavy-duty trucks.

Yunana suggested that areas around Takum Junction and Kwararafa Filling Station, where compensation may have been paid and affected properties cleared, could be assessed for the creation of temporary diversion routes for vehicles coming from Jalingo and Federal University Wukari.

He similarly proposed that the area around Best Abino Filling Station could be considered for a temporary route serving motorists travelling from Takum, provided the necessary technical and safety assessments support the proposals.

The concerned citizen noted that the flyover project could take some time to complete, making it necessary for the government and the contractor to adopt measures that would reduce the pressure on existing roads throughout the construction period.

He appealed to Governor Agbu Kefas to direct the contractor handling the project to make adequate provision for accessible, safe and durable alternative routes to minimise inconvenience to residents and motorists.

While acknowledging the importance of infrastructure development, Yunana stressed that the construction of the flyover should not result in further deterioration of Wukari’s internal roads.

“The benefits of a flyover should not come at the expense of other roads and the daily convenience of residents,” he said.

He urged the state government and relevant project authorities to address the concerns, stressing the need to protect existing infrastructure while the flyover is being constructed.

“Let us build the flyover without destroying our internal roads,” Yunana appealed.