By CHARLES IWUOHA

A concerned Resident of Wuse of the federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, Senator lroegbu, has written to the Minister of FCT, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, regarding resurfacing of streets in Wuse area.

Iroegbu, in his passionate appeal letter dated 9^thFebruary, 2024 addressed to Wike, said he is deeply concerned about the current state of the project and its implications for the community.

His letter read in part” While I appreciate your efforts to improve the infrastructure in the Nation’s Capital, it is imperative that we ensure the integrity and quality of the work being carried out by contractors.

“Unfortunately, our experience in Wuse, especially the Zone 1-7 axis, has revealed some alarming issues that need urgent attention.

“It is disheartening to observe that many contractors seem to have abandoned their work midway, resulting in streets being left in a state worse than before the upgrades. Some streets have been completed hastily and haphazardly, while others have been left half-finished or poorly executed.

“Of particular concern is the manner in which certain contractors have completely excavated the roads, removing all layers of tarmac down to the earth surface. This has not only created gullies in some streets but also exacerbated erosion issues, especially during the rainy season.

“While some streets have received a preliminary layer of gravel and tarmac, others have been left untouched, leaving us vulnerable to further damage.

“It is my earnest hope that these contractors will return to complete the job. However, without effective monitoring and oversight, there is a risk that they may falsely claim to have finished their work. I have noticed that they prioritize completing more prominent streets to create the illusion of progress, while neglecting others that are equally important.

“I urge you to implement robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, conducted by a vetted team independent of official channels, to ensure that contractors fulfill their obligations and maintain the quality of our roads. This oversight should extend beyond Wuse to other areas undergoing road projects in the FCT.

“Furthermore, I would like to draw your attention to the urgent need for action on the construction of the bridge linking Wuse and Wuye. The closure of interlinks between Olu Obasanjo Way and Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway has resulted in significant traffic diversion to Michael Okpara Street, causing severe gridlock at key junctions such as PDP Wadata House/Skye Memorial and Berger Junction. This situation is likely to worsen during the rainy season and requires prompt intervention.

“Thank you for your attention to these pressing matters. I trust that with your leadership, we can address these challenges and ensure the continued development and prosperity of our community.”