FERMA undertakes major drainage rehabilitation on Abuja-Keffi highway
By Esther Agbo
The Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has initiated significant remedial work on the critical Abuja-Mararaba-Keffi highway.
The operation, which began on Tuesday, involves extensive clearing of silts and the reconstruction of failed drainage systems along this vital transport route.
The maintenance effort commenced at kilometer 9, near Mararaba market, where FERMA officials were seen diligently clearing waterways. Direct labor workers contributed to the effort by managing the traffic congestion that arose due to the construction activities. Notably, the Masaka axis of the Abuja-Keffi road saw substantial repairs on the drainage systems, the Ado Bridge, and the separations between the dual carriageways.
The roads maintenance engineer overseeing the Federal Capital Territory, Martin Eze, explained that this initiative is part of the broader “Operation Desilting of Waterways,” which was launched two weeks ago by FERMA’s Managing Director, Dr. Chukwuemeka Agbasi.
He said, “This is a continuation of the programme recently launched by our MD, Dr Emeka Agbasi. We are currently at KM 9 along the Mararaba-Keffi Road. The essence is to make sure that all waterways, drainages and hydraulic structures are open and free for water to flow during this rainy season.
“That way, it will make our roads last longer. We appeal to road users, especially people who stay close to the drainage facilities, not to pour refuse into them. Some people will wait for the rain to start to pour their refuse into the hydraulic structure, thereby blocking the waterways.
“We frown on this and, therefore, call on Nigerians, especially road users and people close to these structures, not to abuse them.”
Addressing concerns about potential displacement of traders, Eze clarified that the ongoing works are strictly maintenance-related and will not result in the displacement of any individuals. “The fear of displacement does not arise as we are not reconstructing the roads or expanding them. We are only maintaining the existing roads. So it won’t affect anybody for now.
“It is a continuous process. We carried out a similar one in December last year until people came again to silt the drains,” he assured.
Eze also highlighted the ongoing nature of the maintenance efforts, citing a similar exercise carried out in December last year.
Despite these efforts, he noted that the challenge of managing human activities remains a significant hurdle.
“I think one of the major challenges we have is managing the people and their activities. But I can assure you, this exercise will be completed before the rainy season takes over,” he concluded.
The Abuja-Mararaba-Keffi highway is a crucial artery for daily commuters and commercial traffic between Abuja and neighboring states, making the successful execution of these maintenance works vital for the region’s transportation infrastructure.
