Bauchi State Government appeals for responsible use of RAAMP Rural Roads
By Rabiu Ishaq Muhammad
The Bauchi State Government has called on motorists, pedestrians, farmers and livestock owners to adopt responsible road-use practices to reduce accidents and protect newly constructed rural road infrastructure across the state.
The State Commissioner for Rural Development and Special Duties, Alhaji Abdul Hassan, made the call during a capacity-building training on road safety, public awareness and community responsibility along the Bauchi Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project, RAAMP, held in Gwaram community, Misau LGA.
Alhaji Abdul Hassan said the provision of good rural roads remained an important investment in community development, saying the roads would improve access to markets, schools, healthcare facilities and other essential services, while making it easier for farmers to transport agricultural inputs and produce.
The Commissioner noted that, the rural road corridors were shared by motorists, motorcyclists, cyclists, pedestrians, farmers and, in some areas, livestock, stressing that, road safety was a collective responsibility and not that of government alone.
He urged drivers and motorcyclists to avoid excessive speeding, dangerous overtaking, use of mobile phones while driving, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and the use of unroadworthy vehicles.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Bauchi State Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project, Mrs Liatu Gayus urged residents to make road safety a shared commitment in order to protect lives and ensure the sustainability of the infrastructure.
On his part, the District Head of Gwaran, Alhaji Abdullahi Mohammed advised motorists to exercise extra caution around schools, settlements, markets, junctions, bends and other areas where pedestrians and livestock were likely to cross.
He also appealed to farmers and livestock owners to keep road corridors clear by avoiding the use of carriageways for drying agricultural produce, storing farm materials or leaving equipment that could obstruct traffic.
Alhaji Abdullahi Mohammed further called on communities to protect RAAMP infrastructure by refraining from damaging road signs, obstructing drainage channels or engaging in activities capable of weakening road pavements and drainage structures.
While pledging to constitute a task force committee to ensure full compliance, the District Head urged residents to report vandalism, damaged road furniture and other safety concerns to relevant authorities.
In a vote of thanks, the Chairman, Misau Local Government Area, Alhaji Salisu Husaini Hardawa appealed to traditional and community leaders to continue sensitising residents on responsible road use, noting that, community ownership of the roads should translate into collective responsibility for protecting the public infrastructure.
