Commuters Stranded As Flood Takes Over Mararaba Road

Commuters on Mararaba road which borders the  FCT got stranded following a downpour early on Thursday that caused flooding and cut off access to the road.

Some of the commuters who spoke with newsmen blamed the flooding on blocked drains.

They complained that most of the traders at the Mararaba market dumped refuse in the drains, thereby obstructing the flow of water whenever it rained.

Mr Ola Johnson, a commuter, said the traffic hold-up caused by the flood water would have been avoided, if the traders were environment-friendly.

“The way traders in this area dispose of their refuse is not proper; often you see them sweep their surrounding only to dump the filth in the gutter.

“Now see how we are stranded because of the action of a few people; now they will blame it all on government but in our own little corner what are we doing to help the government, he asked?.

Another commuter, Mr Banabas Yakubu, blamed the indiscriminate dumping of refuse in the area to the lack of dumping sites.

“How can a market like Mararaba not have receptacles; you find refuse everywhere; the ones that were not dumped in the drains are blown into it by the wind.

“I feel that even if the people have a major part to play, the government should do its part by making facilities available  for use.

Mr Edeke Usen, a resident, said that dumping of refuse in the drains was the major cause of the flooding.

Usen also noted that if adequate sanitation facilities, like refuse bins were provided, it would help the residents to dispose their refuse properly.

He called on the residents, especially those living close to the road side to stop dumping refuse in the drains and imbibe  good sanitary culture to keep the environment clean.

Usen urged the Nasarawa State Government to assist the residents by providing refuse receptacles.

“If refuse receptacles are provided, especially within the market places, it would have curbed the issue of indiscriminate waste dumping.