By Yawale Adamu
In Zaki local government area of Bauchi State, residents of Sandigalau, Gumai, Tashena, and Ariri communities have faced mind-blowing challenges for years due to the lack of direct access to Katagum(Zaki), a crucial link to the main roads leading to the state capital. This access is vital for their socio-economic activities, primarily since these communities depend on agriculture for their livelihood.
The inhabitants have had to endure great hardships, navigating on foot, by motorcycle, or with carts to transport their farm produce to markets or to bring agricultural equipment back to their villages from the marketplaces.
To alleviate these hardships, the Federal Government, through the Nigerian Building Institute in Lagos, initiated a project in 2019, awarding contracts to Numora Integrated Services LTD for the construction of access roads connecting Sandigalau-Gumai and Tashena-Ariri. Despite the allocation of N144,743,809.85 to the contractor from 2019 to 2021, the project saw minimal progress and was eventually abandoned. As a result, the local population continues to face daily transportation challenges, significantly impacting their livelihoods.
The distance between the communities of Sandigalau and Gumai is approximately ten kilometers. However, due to the road’s dilapidated state, a journey that should take a short amount of time now lasts about an hour, leaving travelers covered in dust and fatigued. The journey involves navigating through loose sand, often requiring travelers to dismount from their motorcycles to allow passage.
During the harvest season, conditions marginally improve as the sand dries up and the grasses recede. However, during the rainy season, the situation worsens significantly, making the road nearly impassable. “You are fortunate it’s the harvest season; otherwise, I couldn’t bring you here regardless of the payment,” a local guide remarked after a close encounter with a farmer transporting his produce.
Especially on Saturdays, when traffic peaks due to the nearby Sakwa town market, residents struggle even more on this partially filled sand road to reach the main thoroughfare.
From its inception along the Azare-Zaki road, the project promised relief to the local communities. Yet, beneath the surface, it has become a source of continuous hardship, far from the anticipated alleviation.
Signpost signalling the Projects
The road project, initiated to connect the main road to Zaki with Gumai, initially sparked hope among the local populace with its promising start. The sight of heavy machinery and contractors at work brought joy to the community members, making them believe that their long-held aspirations were finally being realized and their struggles alleviated. However, this optimism was short-lived as the project was abruptly abandoned a few months in, plunging the locals back into a state of despair over the unfulfilled promise.
Ibrahim Abdullahi Gumai expressed his dismay over the project’s neglect by those tasked with its completion, leaving him to wonder when, if ever, the road would extend to his village. The initial excitement in his community turned to disappointment upon realizing that the contractors had left the site indefinitely, with no explanation or indication of their return.
“The road to Sandigalau is in a deplorable state, riddled with potholes, particularly during the rainy season. The blame lies with our leaders; they initiated the project but failed to see it through to completion, and the reason behind this failure remains unknown,” he lamented
Initially filled with happiness, Abdullahi’s mood shifted to sadness upon the abandonment of the road project before it could reach his community. The prospect of having a proper road had filled the locals with delight, only for those hopes to be dashed. “We are earnestly hoping that Allah will send someone to finish the road,” Abdullahi remarked, his frustration evident as he spoke with palpable anger.
He further explained that the road has turned into a source of dread for the community, particularly during the rainy season when its use becomes perilously unsafe. As a result, many residents have opted to walk rather than risk navigating the hazardous path by motorcycle.
Sand-filled portion of the road where work started.
Despite the allocation of funds to the contractor in several installments, the construction work was left incomplete, with only partial progress made on the road, notably with sand filling covering just half of the intended path.
Data obtained from govspend.ng, a public procurement tracking platform operated by the Budgit Foundation, revealed that Numora Integrated Services Ltd received a payment of N21,148,682.63 on January 20, 2021, for the construction of an access road connecting Sandigalau-Gumai in the Zaki Federal Constituency.
In a related transaction, the same contractor received N33,109,336.17 on December 14, 2020, for the construction of a rural access road from Tashena-Ariri in the Zaki Federal Constituency.
Screenshot of payments made to the contracting company
These two rural roads were abandoned along the way as locals continue to toil under the scorching sun to transport their farm produce to nearby markets and for their daily usages.
Abandoned portion of the road to Gumai
Zakar Muhammed Yalwaji, a merchant who, along with others, avoided the road for safety reasons, expressed initial relief when construction began, anticipating that it would boost daily commerce. However, the work halted unexpectedly, leaving them without any explanation.
“The construction covered only a few kilometers before it was abruptly stopped. It began during the administration of former governor M.A. Faced with frequent accidents, particularly in a place known as Kabirawa village notorious for such incidents, we initiated a community effort. We used plant waste from our fields to cover the sandy patches to facilitate smoother passage,” he recounted.
He criticized their political representatives for their lack of engagement with the project, pointing out the irony that despite having a Deputy Governor from their region, they still suffer from the absence of proper access roads.
A trapped motorcyclist
Road began but ended in Bura
The ten-kilometer stretch from Sandigalau to Gumai, which commenced at Sandigalau, was prematurely ended at Bura village when the contractor ceased work in 2021 and has not shown any signs of resuming.
Yusuf Abubakar, a Bura resident, mentioned that finding motorcycle transport becomes a challenge during rainfall, often resulting in fare prices doubling for those fortunate enough to find a ride.
He observed an increase in pedestrians, as only the most adept motorcycle (okada) riders dare to tackle the treacherous path, leading to lengthy and burdensome journeys home with goods carried by hand.
As a Gumai community farmer, Abubakar questions the neglect of such a critical road, highlighting the disruption it causes to essential access, like schools and markets, due to the road’s poor condition.
“The fare doubles after rain, and few okada riders are willing to undertake the journey, risking injuries. We’re disheartened that the road ends at Bura without reaching Gumai, initially believing it would bring relief. We urge our leaders to intervene, recalling an achaba (motorcycle taxi) chairman who suffered a fracture on this neglected road,” he stated.
Abubakar expressed his disappointment over unfulfilled promises, urging leaders to act conscientiously, mindful of their accountability.
Kawuwa Ahmed, another road user, noted an increase in accidents and damage to motorcycles since the construction halted. “Night travel is perilous, and frequent use during the rainy season exacerbates wear on the vehicles, as evidenced by my quickly deteriorating tires,” he lamented, emphasizing the hardships endured, especially in wet conditions when transporting passengers becomes impracticable.
Similarly, the Ariri-Tashena road spanning over 25 kilometers shares the same fate as the Sandigalau-Gumai road, abandoned after initial sand filling. The work, though promising at the outset, deteriorates further along, echoing the challenges faced by the local communities in navigating these unfinished routes.
Signpost signalling the project mounted along Zaki-Hadejia road.
The commencement of roadworks connecting Ariri to Tashena initially brought joy to local farmers and traders, with community members of all ages celebrating what they believed would be a significant improvement to their lives. Their primary aspiration was to have a road that would link them directly to the Zaki main road, facilitating the transportation of their agricultural products to market and attracting buyers to their locale.
Sani Musa, a Youth Leader from Ariri, voiced his frustration over the region’s continued inaccessibility, despite its status as a key agricultural center within the local government. He highlighted the challenges faced due to the lack of a road network, noting that the area’s potential for year-round agriculture often goes unrealized as produce spoils before it can reach the market or buyers can access the community.
The abandonment of the road construction project has exacerbated these difficulties, leaving the community isolated and vulnerable. Musa reported that traveling on the road at night has become particularly dangerous, not only because of the risk of accidents but also due to the threat of criminal activity.
“The condition of the road from Ariri to Tashena is deplorable. We are a vital agricultural community, with extensive lands suitable for both rainy and dry season farming. Yet, much of our produce goes to waste,” Musa expressed. “Our neighbors in Jigawa mock us; the road project, which began with promise, was halted prematurely. The road is now dangerous, filled with potholes and sharp turns that frequently lead to accidents. Our safety is at risk from potential attacks by criminals.”
Musa’s comments reflect a deep-seated hope that the authorities will take action to resume the roadworks. “We’ve turned to prayer for divine intervention, as we feel cut off from the rest of the world,” he said, emphasizing the community’s desperate situation and their plea for help.
corn stalk used to patch the road
Musa Aliyu, reinforcing the Youth Leader’s statements, shared his concerns about the perilous state of the road, noting that it ends abruptly at Chogai village, leading to significant hardship for the community. He highlighted the dire situation for pregnant women needing medical attention in Katagum/Zaki, with many suffering complications or dying before they could reach proper medical facilities.
“The fear of emergencies looms large over our community. Our town, once bustling with traders on market days, now sees only a few who are willing to endure the difficult journey. The loss of pregnant women on this barely navigable road underscores our plight. Three years on from the commencement of work, the project stands abandoned. The question of why this neglect continues haunts us,” he lamented, expressing a desire to hear from women who have experienced these hardships firsthand.
The Community Voices Concerns Over Educational Impediments
The mere three kilometers of roadwork completed by the contractor is now viewed as a significant obstacle to the community’s educational progress. Students often miss classes due to the exorbitant costs of transportation or the delays caused by the need to walk to Katagum. This situation severely affects their educational pursuits, as many families struggle with the daily transportation fees resulting from the lack of a proper access road.
Comrade Musa Umar, Chairman of the Mainako Students Association and Ward Development Committee Chairman in Ariri, criticized the impact of the road’s poor condition on students and their families. The high transportation fees demanded by motorcyclists for travel to schools in Zaki town are a burden many cannot bear. Umar expressed regret over the roadwork’s initiation, given its eventual abandonment and the hardships it has imposed.
“For a trip to Zaki from Ariri, the cost is two thousand naira, a figure far beyond the reach of many in these challenging economic times. The incomplete three kilometers of roadwork, halting at Chogai, has brought nothing but hardship, especially during the rainy season. The dual burden of school fees and transportation costs is unsustainable for parents. We urgently call on authorities to address this issue and provide relief to our community,” stated Umar, voicing the collective frustration and calling for intervention.
Chogai village where the road terminated
Comrade Musa Umar is calling on the authorities to take immediate action by bringing the contractor back to work on the road, emphasizing its critical importance to the socio-economic well-being of the community.
The village head of Ariri, Halilu Umar, pointed out the severe impact of the inaccessible road on his people, highlighting that the once-busy weekly market now lies deserted despite the community’s agricultural prowess.
“Our pleas to the relevant authorities have yet to yield results. Despite reaching out to our assembly members with our concerns, we’ve seen no action taken,” he said.
The village head also expressed sorrow over the accidents that have occurred on the incomplete sections of the road, noting the tragic loss of many pregnant women and the recording of approximately 20 deaths this year alone due to the challenges of traveling to Zaki. “The hardship is unbearable,” he remarked, criticizing the lack of proper planning and safety considerations in the roadwork that was done, and noting that many locals now prefer taking canoes to Hadejia over using the dangerous road.
While the community laments the road’s poor condition, Amadu Ahmed finds a silver lining for his vulcanizing business, which thrives on repairing punctured tires for those braving the treacherous path.
“Interestingly, the road’s current state benefits me. I earn one to two thousand naira daily from motorcycle tire repairs. While it’s disheartening to see the financial losses endured by my community, the road has inadvertently become a source of income for me. I’m not eager for its repair, as it would mean the end of this unexpected boon for my business,” he acknowledged.
A broken motorcycle by Amadu’s workshop
Comrade Musa Umar has made a plea to the appropriate authorities, urging them to resume work on the crucial road project, highlighting its importance for the socio-economic well-being of the community.
Halilu Umar, the village head of Ariri, noted the severe impact of the inaccessible road on his people, pointing out the decline in weekly market attendance despite the community’s agricultural prowess. “Our repeated appeals to the authorities have yielded no results. Despite reaching out to our assembly members with our grievances, we’ve seen no action,” he stated.
He also mentioned the dangerous conditions on the partially constructed road, attributing numerous accidents and the loss of many lives, including pregnant women, to the poor state of the road. “This year alone, we’ve mourned the loss of about 20 individuals due to the treacherous journey to Zaki. The hardship is unbearable,” he lamented, criticizing the inadequate safety measures in the roadwork completed so far. He revealed that locals now prefer to take canoes to Hadejia over risking the dangerous road.
In contrast, Amadu Ahmed shared a different perspective. His vulcanizing business has thrived due to the road’s disrepair, as many motorists need tire repairs. “I earn up to two thousand naira daily from fixing punctures. While it pains me to see my community suffer, this road has become a source of livelihood for me. I’m not eager for its repair, as it would mean the end of my business,” he admitted.
Contracting Company Cites Lack of Funds for Project Stagnation
A senior employee of Numora Integrated Services Ltd, requesting anonymity, cited funding issues as the reason for the project’s halt. The projects were initially sponsored by former lawmaker Tata Umar. However, following his court-mandated removal, the subsequent representative failed to continue funding. “The new lawmaker demanded recognition for the projects, including altering the signposts to remove Umar’s name but did not allocate any funding towards their completion,” he disclosed.
He lamented the lack of support from the new lawmaker, emphasizing that the company depends on government funds to execute projects. “Without funding, our hands are tied. Despite the benefits these projects would bring to rural communities, we’re unable to proceed,” he added.
The official promised to provide detailed information on the funds received once back in his office but failed to follow up as promised. Attempts to contact Tata Umar for comments were unsuccessful, with communications going unanswered for over a month.
This publication is produced with support from the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) under the Collaborative Media Engagement for Development Inclusivity and Accountability Project (CMEDIA) funded by the MacArthur Foundation.
