Lalong Promises Lasting Solution to Accidents at Polo Roundabout

By John Austin Unachukwu

Governor Simon Bako Lalong of Plateau State, yesterday in Jos, promised to find lastion solution to the recurring accidents at the Polo roundabout in Jos.

The incessant accidents along the Polo roundabout in Jos has become a source of concern to motorists and citizens despite efforts by the government to tackle the situation.

A statement signed by the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State, Dr. Makut Simon Macham states the: “Following the recent accident where properties were destroyed and 2 persons killed as a truck carrying fuel lost control and crashed resulting into an inferno, Governor Lalong accompanied by his Deputy Prof. Sonni Tyoden and other top Government officials inspected the site and promised to find lasting solutions to the recurring accidents in the area.

“Lalong who went round the damaged areas of the JUTH Vetinery Teaching Hospital, expressed sadness over the incident which engulfed some of the structures and destroyed equipment worth millions of naira including some recently supplied by the TetFund yet to be mounted.

“He said the permanent solution will be to find another alternative route for heavy duty trucks to use so as to avoid using the road that has high traffic capacity and prone to accidents due to loss of brakes by trucks and recklessness in some cases.
“He ordered the Commissioner for Transport and other relevant agencies to ensure that they enforce the restriction of heavy duty vehicles from plying the road during the day till night hours when traffic is decongested along the route so as to reduce high casualty in case of any accident.

“He also said the Government will ensure that the work on the British-American Flyover construction is expedited in order to provide an alternative to heavy duty vehicles passing to other parts of the country including the North East.

“While commiserating with families of the victims and those who lost their lives, the Governor said but for the speed breakers earlier erected and the fact that the incident occurred late into the night, the casualty figures would have been high.
“ He promised that the Government will intervene in making sure that the damaged properties and equipment at the JUTH Vetinerary Teaching Hospital and surrounding areas are replaced through the collaboration of the State and Federal Government.

Prof. Rahila Gowon  Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC) Admin, University of Jos and Prof.  Lami Lombin said the damage was huge and has affected operations in the facility because of contamination which needs to be cleared.

“They appreciated the Governor for his concern and said a lasting solution to the incessant accidents in the area is needed to avoid further loss of lives and damage to property in the area. The Governor also interacted with participants from across the country who are holding a workshop in the Teaching Hospital before the sad event where he assured them that Government will do its best to restore the facility.