In response to escalating flood threats, the Kogi State Government has taken decisive action by opening a 5km alternate route in Nyamanyama Village along the Ganaja-Ajaokuta road.
The move comes as part of the state’s proactive flood management strategy, aimed at mitigating the potential impact of rising water levels that could render the main Ganaja road impassable.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Kogi State Flood Disaster Response Team, was enacted under the directive of Governor Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo.
The governor had instructed the team to ensure that motorists and commuters would not be subjected to the hardships associated with road blockages, which are a regular occurrence during the flood season in the area.
Governor Ododo expressed his administration’s commitment to alleviating the stress on motorists, stating that the new bypass is designed to provide immediate relief in the event that the Ganaja road becomes flooded.
The Kogi State Flood Disaster Response Team, led by Deputy Governor Comrade Joel Salifu Oyibo, acted promptly on the governor’s directive.
Oyibo noted that the team’s quick intervention was necessary as floodwaters are approaching dangerous levels, with the potential to disrupt transportation on the critical Ganaja-Ajaokuta route.
The State Commissioner for Works, Engr. Mohammed Yusuf, who is also a member of the response team, inspected the progress of the newly constructed road. He expressed satisfaction with the work, highlighting that the alternate route reflects the government’s readiness to respond to challenges faced by its citizens. He stressed that the measure had shown “responsive governance” on the part of the Governor”.
Kogi State’s Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, who also inspected the new bypass, emphasized the importance of the Ganaja-Ajaokuta road as a key transportation artery connecting the South East and South South regions of Nigeria.
The State Commissioner for Information and Communications and a member of the Team, Kingsley Fanwo, who spoke to newsmen after inspecting the work on Sunday, said the flood had reached a devastating stage at the moment.
He noted that the popular Ganaja -Ajaokuta road remained the gateway to the South East and South South Nigeria, and it is used by hundreds of thousands of commuters everyday.
“Over the years, commuters went through hell on that road in flood periods. But this measure is no doubt a savior.
“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.
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