By Correspondent in Lokoja
Many tenants,residing at Gadumo/Ganaja quarters of Lokoja, Kogi state, especially those whose residence share proximity with Gadumo/ Ganaja road,have embarked on the aggressive search for alternative accomodation to avoid health hazards occasioned by quantum dust,The Reporters report.
An investigation by the online news platform on Monday revealed that the development is not unconnected with the unabated poison dust resulting from the reconstruction of the 17-km Ganaja and the fact that the reconstruction is devoid of wetting the road on constant basis.
Our Correspondent who visited the road between 8 a.m and 2p.m on within the vicinity of 200 unit junction and new Ganaja village axis on Monday,reports that there was no work goingon on the road.
Some of the tenants,who spoke with our Correspondent,expressed disappointed over the slow pace of work on the road as well as the failure of the company handling the work to wet the road, to check enormous volume of poisonous dust on the road.
“I am one of many tenants eagerly searching for alternative accomodation elsewhere as dust has taken over Gadumo/Ganaja area due to reconstruction of Gadumo/ Ganaja road with health implications to me and many other residents in this area.
“As thousands of us in this area continue to inhale the poisonous dust emanating from the reconstruction of the road and the company handling the work does not do anything to save us from the looming health hazards, I have no option but look for alternative accomodation outside this area because I am asthmatic,” Miss Abigail Onotu said.
According to medical experts,asthma is a condition in which one’s airways narrow and swell and may produce extra mucus. This can make breathing difficult and trigger coughing, a whistling sound (wheezing) when you breathe out and shortness of breath.
They add that for some people, asthma which is airborne, is a minor nuisance. For others, it can be a major problem that interferes with daily activities and may lead to a life-threatening asthma attack.
Meanwhile,commercial motorcyclists and tricyclists (kekenapep), who spoke with our Correspondent, said some of them had stopped plying the road, citing dust which they claimed usually blur their vision while driving and called for timely completion of the road.
Our Correspondent recalls that the reconstruction of the road commenced November 2020 as a result of its deplorable nature and outcry by motorists and commutters, on the need for it being motorable.
The road plays important role, llinking Lokoja, the state capital with the eastern region of the country.
