Residents of Tungan Madaki and neighbouring communities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) were full of joy on Thursday as the newly constructed access road linking their community to Airport Road (Bill Clinton Drive) was officially inaugurated.
The residents described the project as a life-changing intervention that has ended decades of hardship, isolation and economic difficulties, while reconnecting farmers, traders and students to opportunities and essential services.
Speaking during the inauguration, the District Head of Tungan Madaki, Malam Muhammad Haruna, said the road project had brought governance to the community for the first time and would significantly improve the lives of residents.
He praised President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, for extending development to the rural community and addressing challenges that had persisted for decades.
According to him, the community had long suffered from poor road infrastructure and the absence of a reliable bridge, making movement extremely difficult, especially during the rainy season.
“We are happy that this narrative has completely changed. The completion of this critical road linking Bill Clinton Drive directly to the heart of our community has brought relief and celebration among our people.
“This is a turning point in the history of our community after years of neglect. It has not been easy transporting farm produce from our farms to the community and markets, but today we are happy because our story has changed,” he said.
Haruna noted that the road would boost economic activities by reducing transportation costs, easing movement of farm produce and cutting post-harvest losses.
He added that the development would translate into higher earnings for farmers and improved living standards for residents.
The traditional ruler also highlighted the impact of the project on education, explaining that students from neighbouring communities often found it difficult to access the community’s secondary school during the rainy season because of the collapsed bridge and poor terrain.
“The completion of this road has restored safe access to the school and will help reduce disruptions to learning,” he said.
While expressing appreciation to the Federal Government and the FCT Administration, Haruna appealed for the provision of potable water to complement the road project.
He also called for the protection of farmlands, stressing that agriculture remains the main source of livelihood for the people.
“Farming is our only means of feeding ourselves, sending our children to school and meeting our basic needs. Protecting our farmlands will help us fully enjoy the dividends of democracy,” he said.
Speaking earlier, Wike explained that the project was executed in line with President Tinubu’s commitment to opening up rural communities through strategic road infrastructure.
He disclosed that the seven-kilometre road, which includes a four-span bridge, would connect nine communities and terminate at the Zuba Road corridor, bringing relief to thousands of residents.
