The Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has engaged 50 youths in Borno State to carry out preventive maintenance on federal highways as part of efforts to improve road safety, connectivity and infrastructure sustainability.
Jibrin Adamu, Federal Roads Maintenance Engineer at the agency’s Borno Field Office, disclosed this on Saturday in Maiduguri during the inauguration of the Orientation Programme for Operation Safeguard the Road (OSGR-II).
Mr Adamu said the initiative, implemented through FERMA’s Public Works Unit, was aimed at promoting regular road maintenance while creating employment opportunities and equipping youths living along highway corridors with practical skills.
He explained that the programme would cover three major activities: vegetation control, clearing of drainage channels and filling of minor potholes.
According to him, removing overgrown vegetation would enhance motorists’ visibility, while clearing blocked drainage channels would improve water flow and prevent road deterioration.
He added that repairing minor potholes would stop them from developing into major road defects that could require expensive rehabilitation.
Mr Adamu said the 50 beneficiaries had been engaged for one month and would receive stipends for their services. He noted that the programme would also provide them with practical experience and exposure to the operation of maintenance equipment.
He urged the participants to remain committed to their duties, stressing that their performance could influence their chances of securing further engagement with the agency.
The engineer also appealed to host communities to safeguard public infrastructure, including roads, drainage systems, road signs and kilometre posts.
He further urged residents to report unauthorised excavation of roads by telecommunications and water utility companies, warning that such activities could hasten road deterioration.
The Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Abba Shuwa, commended FERMA for introducing the initiative, describing it as a positive step.
Mr Shuwa said the union had previously carried out similar activities aimed at improving motorists’ visibility and ensuring road safety.
Also speaking, one of the beneficiaries, Aminu Mohammed, said the programme would empower participants and provide them with valuable work experience.
He added that clearing roadside vegetation and filling potholes would improve visibility and reduce the likelihood of road accidents.
(NAN)
