In a significant disruption to daily life and economic activities, the Potiskum-Gashua federal road in Yobe State has been cut off by floodwaters, isolating six local government areas (LGAs) in the northern part of the state from Damaturu, the state capital. This incident, caused by a heavy influx of water from the Jama’are River in Bauchi State, occurred on Tuesday, August 28, 2024, and has left residents and travelers seeking alternative routes.
The LGAs affected include Jakusko, Bade, Karasuwa, Nguru, Yusufari, and Machina. These areas, which rely heavily on the Potiskum-Gashua road for access to Damaturu and other parts of the state, now face significant challenges. With the primary road rendered impassable, residents and commuters are forced to use alternative routes. Unfortunately, these detours come with their own set of problems. The Bayamari-Dapchi road, one of the alternatives, is plagued by a poor road network, making travel difficult and time-consuming. Another option, the Hadejia road in neighboring Jigawa State, offers a longer and less direct route.
The impact of the road closure is already being felt by the local communities. Samaila Musa, the Chairman of Nangere Local Government Area, visited the site of the flood-damaged road to assess the situation. He expressed deep concern over the immediate and long-term effects of the road’s closure on economic and agricultural activities. “I visited the road that was cut off, and it has already started affecting our economic and agricultural activities, especially those that will be coming to the livestock market in Potiskum,” Musa said. The Potiskum Livestock Market is a significant economic hub for the region, attracting traders and buyers from various parts of the state. The inability to access this market easily could have severe repercussions on the livelihoods of many residents.
Musa, visibly concerned about the situation, indicated his intention to escalate the issue to higher authorities. “I am on my way to meet the Deputy Governor and inform him of the situation,” he added. This move underscores the urgency and gravity of the situation, as local officials seek immediate interventions to restore normalcy.
The road closure does not only affect those heading to markets but also has broader implications for the agricultural sector. Farmers, who are already grappling with various challenges, now face additional hurdles in transporting their produce to markets. This disruption could lead to delays in the supply chain, affecting food availability and prices, not just locally but potentially in other parts of the state.
Efforts to reach out to the Controller of the Federal Ministry of Works for comments were unsuccessful, as calls to his number did not go through. This lack of immediate communication from relevant federal authorities has left many residents frustrated and uncertain about the timeline for repairs or possible relief measures.
In the meantime, some local engineers have begun to offer solutions to prevent such occurrences in the future. They have called on the federal government to consider the construction of a mini-bridge in the affected area. According to these experts, a bridge could provide a lasting solution to the problem, preventing the annual washing away of the road due to heavy water flow from the Jama’are River. This proposal is seen as a proactive measure to mitigate the impact of future floods, which have become a recurring issue in the region.
The recent flooding and subsequent road closure have once again highlighted the vulnerability of infrastructure in the face of natural disasters. As climate change continues to cause unpredictable weather patterns, including heavy rains and flooding, the need for resilient infrastructure becomes more apparent. The residents of the affected LGAs are hopeful that the government will take swift action, not only to address the current crisis but also to implement long-term solutions that will protect their communities and livelihoods from future disruptions.
In conclusion, the cutting off of the Potiskum-Gashua federal road is more than just an inconvenience; it is a disruption that has wide-reaching effects on the economy, agriculture, and daily lives of the people in northern Yobe State. As the affected communities await a response from the government, the incident serves as a reminder of the need for better planning and infrastructure development to withstand the challenges posed by natural events.
