Reps seek flyovers, pedestrian bridges on Kaduna highways over rising fatalities
The House of Representatives has called for the inclusion of flyovers and pedestrian bridges in the ongoing Kaduna Eastern Bye-Pass and Kaduna-Zaria Highway projects, citing rising cases of road accidents
The House of Representatives has called for the inclusion of flyovers and pedestrian bridges in the ongoing Kaduna Eastern Bye-Pass and Kaduna-Zaria Highway projects, citing rising cases of road accidents and pedestrian deaths along the corridors.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Hussaini Mohammed Jallo during plenary on Tuesday.
Presenting the motion, Jallo noted the increasing rate of road accidents and fatalities recorded daily along the Kaduna Eastern Bye-Pass, currently under construction by Dantata and Sawoe Construction Company, as well as along the Kaduna-Zaria Highway.
He further drew attention to the alarming rate of pedestrian-related crashes along the routes, which pass through densely populated communities including Rigasa Bakin Ruwa, Danmani Junction, Kurmin Mashi Junction, Mando Motor Park, M/Jos, Unguwa Gwari, NDC Unguwa Kaji, GDSS Rigachikun, Farakwai, Rigachikun, Jaji, Zaria Aya and Kwarau Tasha.
The House observed that the highways effectively divide these communities into two parts, with increasing population growth resulting in constant movement of residents, traders and students across the roads.
It expressed concern that the ongoing construction of the Kaduna Eastern Bye-Pass and Kaduna-Zaria Highway has created serious safety challenges due to the absence of designated pedestrian crossings, bridges and flyovers.
Lawmakers warned that continuous human and vehicular movement across the high-speed roads has led to fatal accidents, turning the highways into death traps, particularly for schoolchildren, the elderly, traders, market women and other commuters.
The House noted that the affected roads have become major danger zones requiring urgent intervention through the provision of pedestrian safety infrastructure.
It stressed that constructing pedestrian bridges and flyovers at critical points would help prevent loss of lives and property, improve traffic flow, protect economic activities and support urban development in Kaduna and surrounding areas.
The lawmakers also emphasised that while the highways serve as key economic lifelines, they must not endanger the people they are meant to serve, noting that such safety infrastructure is necessary for people-centred development.
Adopting the motion, the House urged the Federal Ministry of Works to review the design of the Kaduna Eastern Bye-Pass and Kaduna-Zaria Highway projects to include flyovers and pedestrian bridges at identified high-risk locations.
It also called on the ministry to work with the Kaduna State Government to ensure safety infrastructure is fully integrated into federal highway projects within the state.
The House further urged the Federal Road Safety Corps and the Kaduna State Traffic Law Enforcement Authority to intensify public awareness on road safety and provide temporary pedestrian crossings pending the construction of permanent structures.
It mandated its Committees on Works and Legislative Compliance to conduct an on-the-spot assessment of the affected highways, ensure compliance and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.
