Residents of Cajaah Estate in Orozo, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nigeria, have taken the initiative to repair a deplorable road that connects their estate to the Treasury Academy Road. The road, which is also linked to the Nyanya-Karshi road, has been in a poor state for a long time, causing hardship for residents. Despite repeated appeals to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, and the Chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, the road remains unrepaired.
The Chairman of Cajaah Estate, Kenneth Eigbedion, stated that residents have been facing severe hardship due to the road's condition. The road has deteriorated significantly, with deep potholes and damaged portions, especially during the rainy season. Motorists are forced to navigate these challenges, which has also led to frequent vehicle breakdowns. Eigbedion noted that residents have made several efforts to draw the attention of authorities, including the AMAC administration, but these efforts have not yielded any concrete results.
According to Eigbedion, during the last Area Council elections, residents mobilized support for the AMAC Chairman, expecting him to reciprocate by addressing the road's condition after returning to office. However, this expectation has not been met, and the road has remained largely neglected. Eigbedion expressed disappointment that the AMAC Chairman has not fulfilled his promise to help address the road's condition, leading residents to resort to self-help.
The residents have begun contributing funds to repair the road and make it passable. Eigbedion emphasized that this self-help measure is a temporary solution aimed at easing the hardship faced by residents. The estate chairman stressed that residents are not asking the government to abandon its responsibility but rather to complement their efforts. He expressed hope that the FCT Minister and the AMAC Chairman will eventually respond to the residents' plight and undertake comprehensive rehabilitation of the road.
The deplorable road has taken a heavy toll on residents' vehicles, with motorists frequently forced to visit mechanics for repairs. This has added significantly to the financial burden of families living in the estate, apart from the inconvenience and safety concerns associated with using the road. Eigbedion noted that the constant damage to vehicles has become a major concern for residents, who are eager for a lasting solution to the road problem.
The residents' intervention highlights the growing reliance on community-driven initiatives to address infrastructure challenges in parts of the FCT. Despite their efforts, residents continue to appeal to the relevant government authorities to provide a permanent solution to the road problem. The situation underscores the need for government authorities to prioritize infrastructure development and maintenance in the FCT.
The self-help initiative by Cajaah Estate residents is a testament to their determination to find a solution to the road problem. While their efforts may provide temporary relief, a lasting solution will require government intervention. The FCT Minister and the AMAC Chairman have been urged to take urgent action to address the road's condition and alleviate the hardship faced by residents.
Key points
- FCT residents resort to self-help to repair deplorable road
- Authorities urged to intervene and provide lasting solution
- Community-driven initiatives highlight growing infrastructure challenges in FCT
