The Initiative for Good Leadership and Development in Gombe state has called on the Federal Government, the governments of Bauchi and Gombe States to reconstruct the Bauchi-Gombe road which demands immediate attention following its deplorable state.
The Group made this call in a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, Tasiu Muhammad Pantami, stressing that the road connecting Bauchi and Gombe states is an eyesore and in a total state of disrepair and highly difficult to traverse by commuters.
He said “there is therefore the urgent need for the Federal Government and the States of Bauchi and Gombe as well as our elected and appointed representatives to immediately intervene to put the road in a motorable and accessible condition for commuters to freely traverse.
“The road to say the least is currently a death trap, begetting horrifying socio-economic havoc in the sub-region. Apart from the insane inconveniences being faced by commuters plying the road, frequent accidents occur leading to unfortunate and unforgivable loss of lives and properties.
“Generally, it is incontrovertible that road infrastructure is critical to the growth and development of any society, state or nation. It connects one community/people with another, facilitates the movement of people, goods and services thereby enhancing trade and industrialization, boosting regional connectivity and integration as well as promoting tourism development.
“However, the deplorable state of Bauchi-Gombe road is not only endangering the lives and properties of our people but is seriously hampering socio-economic progress, growth and development. For instance businesses, which rely on transportation of goods between the two states and beyond face a lot of challenges.
“The high cost of maintenance of vehicles and transportation in general increase the prices of goods and services in the region. Similarly, the inaccessible nature of the zone deters potential investors, thereby limiting economic growth and opportunities for the local populace.”
The group implored the federal government and the governments of the two states to make the reconstruction of the road a priority to alleviate the agonising experiences the people have endured for long and foster economic growth and development.