Lokoja residents groan as contractors abandon road project weeks after Kogi bye-election [PHOTOS]

Weeks after the conclusion of Lokoja/Kogi Federal constituency bye-election held in Kogi State, residents of Maigari Palace, Hangwuan Hamza and Karaworo under Lokoja local Government Area, have cried out over the abandoned road project awarded by the state government.

DAILY POST gathered that the road contract was awarded by Governor Yahaya Bello one week before Lokoja/Kogi Federal constituency bye-election.

But two weeks after, residents including landlords, tenants and some members of the community have cried out following the evacuation of working materials left at the construction site by the contractor after abandoning the road project.


They said they were happy when the Kogi State government awarded the contract for the tarring of the 3000-metre road stretching from Maigari Palace to Karaworo road, meandering to link National Open University Road in Lokoja.

According to them, the contractors stopped work on the road and recently evacuated their working materials.

Expressing their disappointment, some of the landlords and tenants said, “The construction of the road and drains were awarded just a week to the Lokoja/Kogi Federal constituency bye-election by the state government. It started with the construction of drains at the start-point of the road but the delay in completing the project is giving us serious concern. They have come and removed their working materials, this is clear that they have abandoned the road.”

Alhaji Usman Inusa and Bawa Salisu bare their minds this way, “We are suffering on this road and we realized the immense benefits this project will be to us, residents of this neighbourhood and the development of the local government in general. But now, that is hanging. Our problems are compounded.

“The rains are here, places, where there was no stagnant water after rainfall, are now filled after rains. We are having difficulties moving out of our houses. Children in this neighbourhood cannot come out to play.

“We are, therefore, using this medium to call on the state government who may not be aware of the retrogressive attitude of the contractor handling the project to as a matter of urgent public interest ensure the early completion of the road.

“We have no option than to take it up with the state the government, the unwholesome attitude that characterizes project management in this part of the state to the extent of abandoning projects.”

Efforts to speak with head of the company handling the project and the Kogi State Road Maintenance Agency (KOGROMA) via mobile phone failed as at the time of filing this report.