The rainy season has left the inhabitants of the Zabarmari community in Jere Local Government Area just about stranded – the only path that leads into and out of the village is almost unpassable, clogged by huge pools of stagnant water and thick mud.
Residents, mostly rice farmers, and traders say there is no road and the path is getting worse by the day because tricycle riders (Keke Napep) and large numbers of people on foot are having to struggle their way through if they have to get anywhere. And it is dangerous, too, because if there is an emergency there is no easy or quick way to get into or out of Zabarmari.
They are calling on the Borno State government to build a road in the area because there is no way motorists can get into the village.
Aisha Goni, a resident, told RNI that people within the community use the path to get to their farmlands and to the market but, without a proper road, it is affecting their sales and businesses.
“There are huge pools of stagnant water and there is mud everywhere. The only vehicles that can use the route are the Keke Napep and sometimes even they get stuck. Some of the riders are getting into the village by going through the bushes where there are no paths. That means we have to trek with our small children for long distances because there are no tricycle drivers around.”
Goni said the path was fine when it was not raining.
“As it continues to rain the path is becoming increasingly difficult to use – there are more pools of stagnant water and the route is getting more clogged by thicker mud. If the government builds a road it will make life easier for all of us. Farmers, traders, motorists and travellers will be able to do their day-to-day activities. It will also enable us to get to the market more easily. And to get help if there is an emergency.”
Adam Bukar, a tricycle rider, said: “I’m a Keke Napep rider and I usually carry passengers from Zabarmari to Gamboru and Abbaganaram, among other places. But this route is making our lives exceedingly difficult. It is full of water and mud and it is very difficult to pass through. The mud sometimes makes the tricycle slide, so it is quite dangerous too.
“Apart from anything else there are potholes along way, which you can’t always see and avoid because of all the water. Some of my passengers get very nervous, especially pregnant women, children and elderly people. They have to hold on tight so they don’t fall out.”
Bukar said that every wet season the path is difficult to pass through but this year has been the worst it’s ever been. Every day we operate we have to pay ₦100 in tax to the government. The least it should do in return is to provide proper roads.
“It’s not just business people and farmers who suffer, if there is a medical emergency people could die because they will not reach help in time. We are appealing to the government to construct a proper road. It is a crucial route for farmers and traders. We are not the only ones who will lose business if the path is not fixed. All traders and farmers lose business. And the people in the Zabarmari community are left almost stranded.”
SHETTIMA LAWAN MONGUNO
