Underground passage considered for Kano to ease traffic congestion

21 July 2014


For long, Kano residents and motorists have been suffering due to traffic chaos. Now it appears the gridlock nightmare will end.

Many had yearned for over head bridges in strategic locations in Kano, the second largest city in Nigeria, as a way of easing the traffic trouble. The prayers seem to be answered as four flyovers are being constructed across the state metropolis.

The flyovers under construction will connect Radio Kano area to Ibrahim Taiwo Road, Murtala Mohammed Way to Triumph Newspapers and the popular Silver Jubilee (from Kofar Nassarawa to Audu Bako Secretariat). The three are being built by the Kano State government under Engineer Musa Kwankwaso administration. The fourth one is being built by the Federal Government at the Gyadi-Gyadi area of the state.

Yet the state government says before it rounds off on 29 May it will construct two more. These two will be an underground at Kofar Kabuga, a notorious heavy traffic area, and Gadon Kaya.

Both federal and Kano State governments are competing over the projects as observed by motorists. "The rate at which the projects are going is encouraging," they say.

When completed, Kano, the centre of commerce in northern Nigeria, will enter the league of states with flyovers. This development is generating mixed reactions from commuters. While some commend the government, others, especially those in the political circles, are saying "flyovers are no priority in the state".