Residents of the Mallam Joda area in Jalingo metropolis of Taraba State on Sunday appealed to Governor Agbu Kefas, calling for the immediate rehabilitation of the community’s main access road.
They described the road as “severely deteriorated” and a growing threat to lives and livelihoods.
In a letter signed by concerned residents and addressed to the Government House in Jalingo, the community highlighted the alarming state of the road, citing deep potholes, extensive erosion, and near-total collapse in certain sections.
In the letter signed by Al-Emran Alhassan on behalf of the Mallam Joda community, the residents said the road has reached a critical point where inaction could lead to further economic and social consequences.
“The hazardous state of the road has increased the risk of vehicular accidents, often resulting in injuries, property damage, and delays,” the letter stated.
Residents also lamented how the condition of the road has affected local commerce, hindered access to essential services such as healthcare and education, and exacerbated flooding and erosion due to poor drainage.
Farmers in the area are reportedly facing significant post-harvest losses due to difficulty in transporting their goods to markets, while local businesses are grappling with higher transportation costs. The road’s condition has also delayed emergency response services, including ambulances.
Despite several appeals to the local government, the community says no substantial intervention has been made so far. They are now turning to the state government, urging the governor to take swift and decisive action.
The residents requested that the state government dispatch engineers to assess the road and develop a comprehensive plan for its rehabilitation. They also asked for adequate funding and close supervision of the project to ensure transparency and quality.
“We trust in your leadership and your commitment to the welfare of all Taraba State citizens,” the residents wrote. “We are hopeful that you will act swiftly to alleviate the suffering of the Mallam Joda community.”