Ongoing Road Repairs in Danbare Bring Hope to BUK Students and Commuters After Years of Flooding
By Patience Onyioza Omogu
After years of navigating flooded, pothole-ridden roads during the rainy season, students of Bayero University Kano (BUK) and residents of Danbare are finally seeing signs of relief. The ongoing road repairs initiated by the Kano State Government have brought a renewed sense of hope to daily commuters, who previously experienced constant delays and transportation challenges due to the road’s poor condition.
Sir Khamis Bashir Bako, the Senior Special Reporter to the Kano State Governor on the Ministry of Works and Housing, confirmed the government’s response to the long-standing issue. Speaking during an interview, he said the ministry had received numerous reports from both students and residents, which prompted the government to begin repairs.
“Although work is currently on hold due to some issues, we assure the public that the project will resume soon.” he stated.
We interviewed several BUK students who frequently use the road. Abdulrauf Abdullahi, one of the students, shared the struggles they faced before construction began.
“We always had to jump around just to dodge the potholes and dirty water. It was frustrating. Sometimes, our clothes would get stained or wet, and we’d arrive late to class.”
Another student, Charles Ezu, expressed how the road conditions at times forced him to miss classes.
“There were days I just had to stay at home because it wasn’t worth the stress. And when it gets really bad, only bikes can go through and they charge so much because of the risk involved.”
Both students welcomed the ongoing repair works and appealed to the Government to fast-track the process before the rains fully return.
Commercial transport operators also shared their experiences. Hamza Wali, a tricycle (keke) driver, described the road as nearly impassable when flooded.
“The potholes become invisible under water. We often get stuck or damage our tricycles, so sometimes we avoid the route entirely. But now that there’s progress, we can move more freely. We thank the Government and urge them to finish quickly.”
Khasim Idris, a commercial motorcycle (okada) rider, highlighted the risks they face on a daily basis.
“Sometimes the road gets so slippery that we fall into the water along with passengers. It’s risky. But now that the government has started working on it, we’re hopeful. We just want them to continue and finish it well.”
A physical inspection of the road confirmed that construction work has indeed begun, with visible grading, and materials on-site. Although currently paused, residents remain optimistic about its completion.
For the first time in years, commuters along Danbare Mobil Line, particularly BUK students — are beginning to see progress on a road that once disrupted their daily lives, thanks to the efforts of the Kano State Government .
