Gov Lalong, complete Jos New Market Road

After a near 16-year neglect by successive administrations in Plateau State, Governor Simon Bako Lalong’s administration started fixing some major roads within the Jos Central Area, New Market inclusive. This prompted jubilation and expectations that the projects would be completed within the stipulated timeframe.

But it is sad that the New Market Road construction project was halted due to flimsy excuses which are not beyond the powers of every responsible and responsive government. Some of the roads were completed before the 2019 elections, some after, with others of recent.

The fact that about 10 shop owners refused to cooperate with the contractor is not enough excuse for abandoning the project and subject a whole community and a very strategic business hub of such magnitude to undue hardship.

A lot of business collapse and losses even have been suffered by not only private individuals but also government. We have seen many instances where governments at all levels exercise their constitutional powers in taking certain actions, even if they are against the wish of the masses. The scenario of the Jos Main Market project for whoever knows is a clear example.

Many Communities within Jos have, since 2012, been suffering the same neglect.

The most disturbing case is in Yandoya and Tudun OC communities where two adopted sons of a woman died as result of the poison deposits in the sand used for the road construction which was abandoned by the Plateau State Government.

Other communities with similar problems include Jenta Adamu, Rukuba Road, Gangare, Unguwan Rukuba, Rikkos and many others.

As concerned citizens, ours is neither politics nor personal interest, but to simply hold public office holders to account in line with the official oath they took to put public interest above their personal interests.