The increasing gridlocks in Abuja are simply nerve-wracking. A journey that in normal circumstances will take 30 minutes takes more than an hour now. This not only causes daily waste of precious man-hours, but has also inflicted enormous pain on commuters who have to contend with extra costs at this difficult time.
Some notable spots where heavy traffic a constant feature, which unfortunately affects the well-being of the people, are Mararaba-Nyanya axis and AYA Roundabout along the Abuja-Keffi corridor; Madala-Zuba-Kubwa-Gwarinpa-Aso Radio Junction along the Abuja-Kaduna corridor; and Girri Junction-Alaita-City Gate along the Abuja-Gwagwalada corridor.
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Indeed, concerns have been raised about these notorious traffic hubs. And I cannot believe it if someone tells me the FCT Administration (FCTA) is not aware of this development.
To be fair to the FCT minister, Malm Musa Bello, he is trying; though his best is not enough. We must come to terms with the fact that we are in the 21st Century and that new technologies should be put in place to reduce the long suffering of commuters. The aforementioned axes need to be expanded to accommodate the daily volume of traffic.
I strongly believe that if the FCTA builds rail tracks from end to end of the city this unbearable traffic jam will disappear immediately. Both income and revenue generation will increase and an uncountable number of commuters will drop their vehicles.
Similarly, the transportation system will give positive colour, beautify the city and make it compete with global best practices. Can we not do these for the benefit of all? Someone may ask, where are we going to get the funds from? Yes, there it is. Invite investors and strike a Public Private Partnership (PPP). I believe we can do it. Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) is one of the surest ways of getting it done.
I urge the FCTA to look inward and try rail tracks in the city. For instance, from Zuba to Dei-Dei; Kubwa to Dutsen Alhaji Junction; Gwarimpa to Maitama to Mararraba, etc. The same should be done in the other axis. It would be a life changing event for both the government and the people. Indeed, Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) will be enhanced and productivity will certainly increase. It will be a win-win for the country.
Tajuddeen Ahmad Tijjani resides in Abuja and can be reached via [email protected]
