Gwarandok Residents in Jos South LGA Cry Out to Governor Mutfwang
Says Don’t Abandon Our Road as Rainy Season Approaches’
Lament water scarcity
By Golok Nanmwa,Jos
In a heartfelt cry for help, several residents of Gwarandok in Jos South Local Government council of Plateau state are pleading with His Excellency, Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, to intervene and ensure the swift completion of the abandoned Gwarandok-Namua Junction road.
Gwarandok is a residential and semi-urban neighborhood located in the Giring area of Jos South Local Government Area, Plateau State, Nigeria, near abattoir .
This vital artery, which connects the community from Namua Junction, has been left in a state of utter disrepair for one year turning daily life into an unending struggle of hardship and isolation.
Several citizens from the Community who spoke to our correspondent lamented that the present state of road has left their community abandoned with scarcity of water .
A resident of the community Mrs Grace Ajang, who spoke to our correspondent said What began as a promising infrastructure project has devolved into a symbol of neglect, with the contractor abandoning the site after initial works, leaving behind a scarred landscape that mocks their hopes for progress .
She said ” During the early stages of construction, the Plateau State Water Board removed our essential heavy-duty water pipes, ostensibly to facilitate the roadwork.,But with the project stalled due to alleged unresolved compensation issues and contractor abandonment, those pipes were never replaced.
“Now, our community grapples with severe water scarcity, forcing families to trek long distances for basic needs like drinking water and sanitation. “
In her words “Mothers carry heavy loads on their heads, children miss school to help fetch water, and the elderly suffer in silence. “
“Our men complain about how the current state of road is damaging their vehicles “.
“This is not just an inconvenience, it’s a humanitarian crisis unfolding in our backyard ,” she stressed .
” Our Governor is a listening Governor and we plead that he comes to our rescue as the community is determined to vote him back to power as the 2027 election approaches.”
She further added that “As the rainy season commences with its relentless downpours, our fears are amplified as the already dilapidated road, washed away by years of neglect and previous floods, will become impassable.”
” Erosion has already claimed parts of the gravel and asphalt, turning sections into muddy quagmires that trap vehicles on some sections of the road .”
“We go out to work daily and before we get to work our shoes are so dusty.”
She also said ” The abandoned state of this road also heightens security risks, as poor access leaves us vulnerable “
“We acknowledge the efforts of Governor Mutfwang’s administration in mobilizing contractors to revive abandoned projects across Plateau State, including some roads in Jos and beyond ,but we appeal to the state government to ensure the fast completion of the road .”
Reports of progress on similar initiatives give us a glimmer of hope, and we commend the governor for his commitment to upgrading slums into urban centers and completing several such projects in his first two years in office .”
“Yet, for Gwarandok, the reality remains grim , despite whispers of mobilization, our road lingers in limbo, with no visible resumption of work to match the urgency of our needs.”
Another citizen Mr Success Benjamin said we appeal to Gov Mutfwang to help us complete this project .
He said “Governor Mutfwang, we voted for you with faith in your vision for a connected and prosperous Plateau , We are not asking for miracles, just the completion of what was started.”.
“We also appeal that they reinstate our water pipes to end the scarcity that plagues us as well as mobilize reliable contractors to finish this road before the rains turn it into a death trap “
” Our children deserve safe paths to school, and our community yearns for the dignity of basic infrastructure.”
“We appeal and call on the Commissioner for Works, the Water Board, and all stakeholders close to the government to heed this passionate appeal., he added.
Efforts to reach the Commissioner for Urban Development in the state for comments about why the contractors abandoned the site and when they would return to site before sending this report was abortive .