By Babale Umar

Thirteen communities in Jigawa State have petitioned the kano state government on the preponderance of illegal ramps on federal highways from kano leading to their various communities.

The petition, signed by Ibrahim Gumel, coordinator for the communities, said over 1000 ramps have been illegally constructed on several federal highways in kano, which have made traveling on the roads by trailers and trucks a dangerous and unsafe venture.

The petition said fuel supply to these communities in Jigawa has been affected because of the difficulties tanker drivers experience while traveling on the roads.

The affected communities are: Gudunwawa, Dan Zaki, Jogana, Dausayi, Tsamiyar kara and Gezawa. Others are Guruma, Yarkanya, kwazari, kawo, Dadin Duniya, Gabasawa and Gidan Lagge.

The petition also stated that one of the communities- Gidan Lagge- has not less than 81 illegal ramps.

Part of the petition reads: “The hazard been experienced is threatening the vehicles plying these roads, especially tanker drivers and heavy trucks. This is affecting the supply of petroleum products to these sections of Jigawa state, and this will invariably affect the life of our people. Haulage of farm produce and other materials are becoming difficult, and all these are caused by ramps built on roads that link Jigawa to kano.”

The communities called on the state government to immediately order the removal all illegal ramps on federal highways in the state.

The petition also asked government to initiate a law banning people from constructing ramps illegally on federal roads in the state. As an immediate measure, the communities urged the state government to issue a directive to all communities along federal roads to seek government permission before constructing ramps.

The state commissioner for information, Mohammed Garba, said he was yet to see the petition but stated that the government would be willing to alleviate the suffering of the people.