*Frowns at condition of border bridge at a near collapse
*Describes heavy long vehicles carrying overload goods as economic sabotage
By; SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has described the manner some traders and owners of articulated trucks (heavy-duty long vehicles) plying Maiduguri – Gamboru Ngala border town road with excessive load exceeding 100 tonnes per truck as economic sabotage against the federal government.
Zulum stated this on Sunday in Gamboru Ngala border town, the headquarters of Ngala Local Government Council of Borno State, which shares international boundary with the Republic of Chad.
The governor also highlighted the excessive strength that heavy trucks place on the road on daily basis, leading to accelerated deterioration of the road.
He further stressed the need for strict enforcement of heavy vehicles weight regulations to protect both the road infrastructure and human lives (accidents) on the road.
The governor however, expressed concerns over the long-term consequences of the practice, stressing that, it undermines the federal government’s efforts towards improving and expanding state’s basic infrastructures that have been hindering economic progress and development.
“It is sad to note what has been happening here. You can see trailers loaded with over 2,000 bags of cement or sugar. That entails more than 100 tonnes of commodities.
“This trend is only seen on this road and as a result, the road leading to Gamboru Ngala has been destroyed due to overload,” Zulum saud.
Zulum further lamented the series of threats to public safety posed by overloaded trucks, citing the increased risk of accidents, especially, along the Maiduguri-Gamboru Ngala road.
The governor also frowned at the effects of overloading along the bridge linking the Nigerian side of the border and other neighbouring countries of Chad, SUDAN, Central Africa, etc as the activities have affected the border bridge to a near collapse.
To address these concerns, Governor Zulum announced his administration’s plans to collaborate with relevant agencies of the federal government to address the issues properly and effectively.
The governor also outlined a multifaceted approach, including increased enforcement of weight restrictions, strict implementation of penalties for violators and the establishment of weigh stations at strategic points along major transportation routes.
He also noted that despite the government’s commitment to enhancing trans-border trade, appropriate measures will be implemented to maintain road infrastructure.
However,, Zulum lauded the efforts of the federal government for its commitment to revitalizing federal roads in Borno State.
