New Road as it is called, has been nothing but abysmal for close to 10 years, irrespective of the fact that a continuous plea has been made to the authorities to fix the road which is in Sabon Gari area of Kano state.
It was against the backdrop of its corporate social responsibility that Dunamis International Gospel Centre re-constructed the road. This move by the church appears to be a light that residents of the new road had looked forward to for years, following the neglect of the road by successive administrations in the state.
Ms Evelyn Onyekachi who owns a shop along New Road for the past 10 years told Daily News24 that in 2012 the government started the process of the road construction but failed to do anything meaningful, leaving the road in a deformative state. She said that their hopes were raised and then smashed on the floor.
Private vehicle does not require road-worthiness certificate – Legal Practitioner
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- Ms Onyekachi to the left, responding to a customer. Photo: Stephen Enoch
“The first time they commenced the construction of this road was in 2012, they demolished it, in a bid to make it better than the previous state but they failed to do it. Since they abandoned the road, we have been inhaling dust since then, which affects our health.
“It is a miracle to see that this road is being re-constructed by Dunamis church because we have been hoping for this day to come. In 2012, the administration started and abandoned the road and later in 2014, they did the same. If we are waiting for the government to construct the road, it might never get done. ” Ms Onyekachi said.
“Gaskiya we are very happy with the construction of this road,” says Honorable Christopher, as he is fondly called by his fellow traders along New Road.
“Since we saw the construction of this road by the church, it gladened our hearts because this is what those in authority are supposed to do but it was neglected. Charity starts from the home and the church which is close by has taken the initiative to do this. We thank God for them and may God reward them for their efforts.” He said.
Road to boast businesses – Trader
A trader would who rather stay anonymous told Daily News24 that her business would flow better, following the completion of the road. She is certain that the poor condition of the road stalled business activities along the road.
“During the raining season the road usually get so bad that water flows into shops that are situated just by the road. This is a hazard to our businesses. When the road is constructed, more people will be able to access the road and that will bring more customers.” She explained.
“Because there isn’t any drainage beside the road, it is very muddy and sometimes, i have to use my rake to remove dirts that are around my shop inorder to make the water flow away. It has been really hard but now that the road is re-constructed, all these problems will be a thing of the past. I am elated about this development.”
They did what past governments overlooked – Tricycle rider
Mallam Abdukadir, a tricycle rider who has been plying New Road axis since 2009 believes that the move by the church is one that will affect his business positively. He tells this reporter that the he had to endure the potholes on the road over the years since there wasn’t any hope in sight.
“I have been plighing this axis for the past fifteen years and i am so happy that the church is fixing the road. It is a welcome development in which everyone will feel its impact . Most of my fellow colleagues do not pligh New Road because the potholes can affect their tricycles and maintenance is quite expensive.” He stated.
Daily News24 reported that the State Pastor, Usman Yakubu during a tour of the reconstruction of the road , said the church embarked on the reconstruction project as part of its corporate social responsibility to add value to the society.
“It is a thing of joy to see you here today and happy that we are working together. When we flagged off the project last December, a few of you were present on the occasion.
“Somebody may ask what informed the decision of a church to embark on road rehabilitation. The church is a charitable organisation and as part of giving back to the society, as we have seen that happened at our base Church in Abuja, where we are coming from.
“It is part of our modus operandi, reaching out to the people through the Church. Gospel is good news and one of the ways to demonstrate the good news to the people is good work, as Gospel is not just preaching.” Pastor Yakubu explained.
