Karmo: Respite for motorists as FCTA moves to construct link road

by Stanley Onyekwere

Residents and road users on the Gwagwa – Karmo are set to heave a sigh of relief as the FCT Administration looks to construct the road connecting the Jeremiah Useni Way Lifecamp, Gwarimpa with the Karmo Fish Market Road.
The project which would break the recurrent gridlock on the road during rush hours and peak time on weekends is designed to alleviate the stress encountered by travellers on that road.
It is also expected to help release traffic from the Obafemi Awolowo Way as it would serve as an alternative bypass on the JT Useni Road.
According to thehe Director of Engineering, Hadi Ahmad, the road construction was in compliance with a directive by the FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello.
He said: “The Minister had witnessed, first-hand, the trouble residents encountered on their way to and from work and market and had decided to do something about it.”
Ahmad disclosed that the 500 meters stretch of arterial would significantly reduce congestion on the road as it will divert some traffic off the Lifecamp Junction, thereby cutting off a significant portion of the Karmo road.
He also pointed out that the project is a first resort solution as the FCTA is working to revoke the contract for the expansion and modernization of the Old Keffi Road running from Karmo, across Idu to Dei-Dei.
He further revealed that thehe contract had been awarded to a contractor who had abandoned the work for a long time now, leaving the Administration no other option than to revoke and re-award the job to a more reputable company.
The Karmo otherwise known as Old Keffi Road is a very significant network which leads to FCT’s major fish market as well as to the Idu Train station.
Similarly, road maintenance works were seen going on in the Gwarimpa 2 District (Lifecamp) entailing drainage works and repair of road shoulders.