For over 96 years, the people of Takkas, a community of over 3000 residents under Pankshin Local Government Area of Plateau State, have endured the hardships of their terrible bridge. This makeshift bridge leading in and out of the community used to be a bush path, before it was opened up by the British missionary for evangelism and for local transportation of tin, and had thus remained unattended to by the government, leaving its decay to the glare of the helpless residents.
Good enough for the people, in the 2024 FG budget, there was a nomination by Senator Diket Satso Plang, representing Plateau Central, for the grading of selected rural roads in Plateau Central Senatorial District, Plateau state for a sum of N100m under National Directorate of Employment and Ministry of Labour and Employment as the agency and ministry in charge respectively.
Our team confirmed that this project was carried out in Pankshin LGA, and more precisely on the Gohotfwan-Kadung and Takkas-Dungkwak Road. However, the joy of Takkas community residents was short lived at the realization that this road palliative work never got to the bridge. Hence, aside from grading the road, the people still have a huge challenge of getting access into their community especially during rainy seasons, because the bridge that leads into the community is already petering out.
In recent years, the area has experienced increased flooding, rendering the graded road a perilous route for the community members. During heavy rains, residents often find themselves trapped, unable to enter or exit Takkas.
Another fact is that even in the face of this grave challenge in the community, they still got another project nomination worth N100m in the 2024 budget again. This is to address “the construction and furnishing of the traditional ruler of Takkas palace and cultural arena.” The question is shouldn’t the construction of this economically important road be place over such an aesthetic provision? But it will not also be surprising that the Senator had only alluded to the request of his people by giving them what they have requested for, one thing we say in Tracka about asking the right question.
During a visit by the Tracka team, the community head, Baba Chom Kossen, expressed grave concerns regarding the state of the bridge. He highlighted the near-fatal risks associated with movement during the rainy season, recalling an elderly resident who nearly lost his life in 2024 due to severe flooding. Kossen emphasized that when the roads are flooded, community members struggle to access vital healthcare services, leading to serious complications and even death.
As we approach another rainy season, residents of Takkas are already dreading another nightmare giving their experience on the road during the previous wet season. A local bike man recounted that flooding can persist for three to four days following heavy downpours. He also mentioned that last year, over 20 bike riders transporting passengers were stranded overnight due to flooding, and they had to wait for the waters to recede before being able to cross over.
This situation has persisted for far too long for a community whose primary livelihoods revolve around farming and local mining. The ongoing challenge hinders agricultural activities, pose significant threats to the safety and well-being of the community and reduces the quality of lives of the people. The community’s plea is that before any eventualities, all stakeholders must see this as a pressing concern to be addressed as urgently as possible.
We call on HE Barr. Caleb Muftwang, the Governor of Plateau State, Hon. Felix Amos Gonung, Chairman of Pankshin LGA, and other relevant stakeholders to facilitate the construction of a reliable road. It is imperative that the needs of over 3,000 residents in Takkas community are addressed to ensure their access to safe transportation and essential services.
Story by: Sunday Idoko and Osiyemi Joshua
