By REGINA DAUDA
Residents of Angwan Nuvu, located off Rukuba Road, Jos North LGA, Plateau State, have made passionate appeals to the government to come to their aid over the deplorable state of their roads and the general neglect of basic amenities in the area.
Motorists and commuters who plied the road daily lamented that its condition had caused untold hardship, especially during the rainy season.
“It is usually so horrible during the rainy season that just moving a short distance on Okada at such times costs a lot, adding to our hardship,” lamented Miss Justina Pam, a student who resides in the area.
Some teenagers were also seen carrying heavy jerrycans of water, an activity health personnel have warned could affect their height and posture.
Patrick, one of them, lamented, “Even with your money, sometimes you still won’t get water.”
An elderly resident who preferred to remain anonymous explained that “this vital road, connecting numerous households and businesses, is in a state of severe disrepair, rendering it nearly impassable and exacerbating the challenges faced by the community.”
Another resident, Mr Oke, said, “The road is rocky, uneven and completely lacks proper surfacing, making it inaccessible to vehicles. As such, residents are forced to navigate dangerous ground on foot, which poses safety risks, especially for children, the elderly and those with mobility challenges.”
Miss Lima Bulus, another student, said the deplorable state of infrastructure in the area had not only affected movement but also crippled economic activities.
“The deplorable state of infrastructure not only hinders daily activities but also stifles economic growth in Angwa Nuvu. Businesses suffer due to limited accessibility, and the overall quality of life for residents is severely diminished,” she said.
Joining her voice, Mrs Okwonkwo, a businesswoman in the area, appealed for urgent government intervention.
“The rehabilitation of Rukuba Road, including proper grading, surfacing and the construction of drainage systems, is critical to restoring dignity and functionality to our community,” she said.
She added that access to clean water should also be prioritised.
“Measures to improve access to clean water would significantly alleviate the burdens faced by residents,” Okwonkwo stated.