You know how badly some people can mess up a new road in less than two years? That's exactly what's been happening to the GYB Junction–Zango–Zone 8 Roundabout Road in Lokoja, Kogi State.

The road was constructed by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) just over a year and a half ago, and it's already falling apart. The damage is extensive and has left the road looking like it's been through a war.

According to Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Kogi State Governor, the destruction of the road is directly attributed to the activities of miners who allegedly diverted heavy-duty trucks to the route in an attempt to evade government tax collection points. The governor is having none of it and has vowed to take action against the tax-evading miners.

During an inspection of the damaged road, Governor Ododo directed the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service to strengthen enforcement against defaulting miners. He warned that the government will no longer allow public assets to be destroyed by individuals seeking to evade their civic responsibilities.

Engineer Sun Yi Shi, the State Project Manager for CCECC, explained that the road was constructed as an urban road for light vehicles and was never designed to withstand the weight of overloaded mining trucks. He said the persistent use of the road by heavy-duty trucks exceeded its load-bearing capacity, resulting in rapid deterioration.

'The road was designed primarily for taxis and other light vehicles, in line with its Bill of Engineering Measurement and Evaluation (BEME),' said Engineer Sun Yi Shi.

The damage to the road is estimated to be extensive, with some sections already showing signs of cracks and potholes. The governor has promised to repair the road, but it's clear that something needs to be done to prevent this from happening again in the future.

The Kogi State governor's actions come at a time when the state is under pressure to increase revenue. With the state's economy heavily reliant on mining, it's likely that this clampdown will have a significant impact on the industry.

It's worth noting that Kogi State has been struggling with underfunding in recent years, and this has led to a backlog of unfulfilled capital projects. The damage to the road is just one example of the state's infrastructure challenges.

The governor's move is a clear indication that the state is serious about tackling this issue and collecting taxes from miners.

'Describing tax evasion as a criminal act, Ododo directed the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service to strengthen enforcement against defaulting miners,' said a statement from the governor's office.

With this clampdown set to happen, it remains to be seen how the mining industry will respond. One thing is certain, however, and that's that the governor is determined to get to the bottom of this issue and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.

Key Facts

• The GYB Junction–Zango–Zone 8 Roundabout Road in Lokoja was constructed by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) less than two years ago. • The road was designed for light vehicles, but miners have been using it as a route to evade taxes. • The governor has ordered a clampdown on tax-evading miners, warning that the government will not allow public assets to be destroyed by individuals seeking to evade their civic responsibilities. • Engineer Sun Yi Shi explained that the road was not designed to withstand the weight of overloaded mining trucks. • The damage to the road is estimated to be extensive, with some sections already showing signs of cracks and potholes.

### Background The Kogi State government has been struggling with underfunding in recent years, leading to a backlog of unfulfilled capital projects. The governor's move to clampdown on tax-evading miners is a clear indication that the state is serious about tackling this issue and collecting taxes from miners.