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Residents and traders along the Zango-Asibitin Yara Road and Panteka Market access roads in Kaduna South Local Government Area have commended Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, for completing the projects after years of neglect by successive administrations.
They spoke following the release of video documentaries by the Kaduna State Government titled, “Zango-Asibitin Yara Road: From Negligence to New Road of Opportunity” and “Panteka Access Roads: Connecting Skills, Opening New Possibilities.”
The projects, whose contracts were awarded in 2024 by the Kaduna Roads Agency (KADRA), were designed to improve accessibility and facilitate economic activities in the two areas.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony in 2024, Governor Sani said the construction of the Zango-Asibitin Yara Road was part of his administration’s broader efforts to upgrade and expand the state’s road network, particularly in communities that had suffered prolonged infrastructural neglect.
“Today is the beginning of good things for Zango and other parts of Tudun Wada and Kaduna South LGA.
“This project is a restatement of our administration’s commitment to infrastructural development, economic growth and the welfare of our citizens.
“We believe that well-developed investment in infrastructure is the backbone of any thriving economy,” he said.
Residents and business owners expressed appreciation to Governor Sani and the management of KADRA, led by Engr. Abdullahi Baba-Ahmed, saying the completed projects had improved accessibility and created better conditions for businesses to thrive.
The Chairman of the Zango Cattle Sellers Association said traders were excited about the completion of the road, noting that improved access would facilitate the movement of goods and boost commercial activities.
“We are honestly very happy with this project. Our market can only thrive when there is regular movement, and this road has brought significant relief, especially in the delivery of goods.
“Vehicles can now bring goods to us with ease, unlike in the past when accessing the market was a major challenge,” he said.
A resident, Aminu Dahiru Danja, said the poor condition of the road had previously caused serious difficulties for residents and commuters.
“Before now, we had serious headaches because of this road. It was a very big challenge because the road had been badly damaged.
“Not only us, but people from Zango, Yan Tukwane and Unguwan Mu’azu also use this road because it is a major route,” he said.
Another resident of Tudun Wada, identified as Mama Hafsa, said commuters previously faced difficulties accessing Unguwan Mu’azu and Zango because of the numerous potholes along the road.
“We had a serious challenge because getting to Unguwan Mu’azu or Zango was difficult for commuters and their vehicles due to the numerous potholes along the road,” she said.
Muhammad Inuwa Suleiman, another resident of Tudun Wada, described the former condition of the road as deplorable.
“This road was in a sorry state. Getting through it before reaching Zango was a Herculean task,” he said.
At Panteka Market, traders also commended the government for rehabilitating and constructing the access roads, saying the intervention had significantly improved movement within the commercial hub.
Yunusa Abubakar, a wood seller at the market, said traders were among those worst affected by the poor condition of the roads before the project.
“As wood dealers, we are in the best position to describe the situation. Sometimes, a loaded truck would break down because of the bad roads, causing traffic and leaving the entire area gridlocked.
“In the past, we faced many challenges caused by potholes and mud, which severely affected roadside businesses. The situation became so difficult that some of us had to relocate,” he said.
Another trader, Isiyaku Usman, said the poor condition of the access roads had discouraged customers from visiting the market.
“Customers used to avoid this place because of its poor condition,” he said.
The residents and traders pledged to reciprocate the government’s intervention by suppo
rting Governor Sani at the 2027 general elections.
