By Philip Yatai
Some residents and commuters in Karu, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), have described the completed Karu township road as a major infrastructural breakthrough, citing improved mobility, reduced flooding and growing economic activities.
The residents told newsmen on Tuesday that the complete overhaul of the 15-kilometre road network had ended years of severe traffic congestion and seasonal flooding, revitalising business activities across the area.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the project, awarded to indigenous contractor Abdul-Val Nigeria Ltd on Aug. 22, 2025, stretches from Karu Interchange to Customs Clinic Junction.
The construction also covered key feeder roads, including DSS Road, NIA Road, EFCC Road, Primus Hospital Road and Old CBN Quarters Road, all of which were fully rehabilitated.
Residents said motorists using the corridor had for years endured traffic gridlock, inadequate drainage systems and flooding, particularly during the rainy season, which disrupted movement and commercial activities.
Mrs Chinyere Obasi, a shop owner, said navigating the district during peak periods or heavy rainfall was previously a daily challenge that left commuters trapped in lengthy traffic queues.
Obasi, however, said the situation changed significantly following the inauguration of the project on June 29, and commended President Bola Tinubu and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
According to her, the dualised and properly drained road corridor has restored smooth movement across the community, while business owners have started enjoying increased patronage and commercial opportunities.
“The addition of modern streetlights and smooth asphalt has brought back customer traffic that had previously been scared off by bad roads,” she said.
Also, a school teacher, Ms Anita Ogunwunmi, recalled how rainy days previously paralysed transportation in Karu, leaving workers and students stranded for hours in heavy traffic congestion.
With the new road infrastructure in place, Ogunwunmi said she no longer needed to wake up before dawn solely to avoid the frustrating morning traffic rush.
“The elimination of bottleneck points has slashed travel times, allowing residents to navigate the sector freely at any hour,” she added.
Similarly, Mr Johnpaul Adamu highlighted the remarkable transformation of the corridor, noting that the completed project had significantly improved the area’s appearance, functionality and overall accessibility.
Reflecting on conditions a year earlier, Adamu said the installation of high-powered streetlights had enhanced visibility and security, making nighttime travel considerably safer for road users.
He said driving through Karu at midnight now feels as bright and safe as driving during the clear afternoon.
Adamu also lauded the pace of infrastructure development across the FCT, commending Wike’s efforts to improve public facilities and expand access to essential urban services.
He pledged support for the minister’s ongoing administration, citing visible improvements in water supply, housing development and road infrastructure across the Federal Capital Territory.
From the contractor’s perspective, Mr Hacı Cengiz, Project Manager of Abdul-Val, said successful delivery of the 15-kilometre dualisation project demonstrated the capability of indigenous engineering firms.
Cengiz commended the FCT Administration for entrusting local firms with major infrastructure projects, noting that the company had maintained a reputation for timely project delivery.
He explained that executive commitment and prompt resource allocation were critical factors that enabled the successful completion of the Karu road project within schedule.
According to him, beyond addressing transportation challenges, the construction process also stimulated economic activities and generated employment opportunities for residents of surrounding host communities.
He said that the project employed up to 259 workers, with the majority recruited directly from host communities, thereby promoting local participation and economic inclusion.
“This localised hiring strategy created an immediate financial ripple effect.
Construction workers consistently patronised local food vendors, tradesmen, and shops along the Karu strip throughout the duration of the build,” he said.
Cengiz said empowering indigenous engineering firms offered long-term economic and technical benefits, while reducing excessive dependence on foreign contractors for critical infrastructure development projects.(NAN)
Edited by Abiemwense Moru