FCT Traders at Mararaba and Aso markets have appealed to the government and contractors to provide temporary access roads and improve drainage, saying ongoing road construction has disrupted business activities and reduced customer patronage.
The traders, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), said poor access to the markets, traffic congestion and flooding, especially during rainfall, have led to a sharp decline in sales.
Chairman of Heart Plaza in Mararaba Market, Mohammed Baba, said the construction had made it difficult for customers, particularly those travelling from Abuja, to access the market.
“Before now, I could sell up to 40 phones in a day, but there are days I now sell only two because customers cannot easily access the market,” he said.
Baba appealed to the authorities to create temporary access roads using gravel and other filling materials to ease movement for traders and customers until the project is completed.
A mobile phone dealer, Abubakar Sadiq, described the road as hazardous, saying persistent traffic congestion and flooding had worsened conditions.
“Even when it is not raining, traffic is heavy. Once it rains, the situation becomes worse because there is no proper drainage. Motorcyclists often fall, and floodwater covers parts of the road,” he said.
According to him, customer turnout drops significantly whenever it rains because many people avoid the market due to the poor condition of the road.
Another trader and resident, Ali Tamadi, said the market plaza is located within the construction corridor, making access increasingly difficult during the rainy season.
“The entrances become waterlogged and muddy, making it difficult for both traders and customers to move around,” he said.
Tamadi also expressed concern that delays in completing the project could affect businesses during the end-of-year festive trading period when many traders depend on increased sales.
A fish seller, Patience John, said the road construction had severely affected her business.
“Before the construction started, I sold about two cartons of fish daily. Now, I sometimes struggle to sell even one carton because customers complain about the bad road and stay away, especially when it rains,” she said.
Despite the challenges, the traders commended the pace of the construction work and expressed support for the project.
They, however, urged the contractors and relevant authorities to provide temporary access roads and improve drainage to ease movement and minimise the impact of the construction on businesses.
