Infrastructure
By Titilayo Adesina/Uche Bibilari
Some residents of Gwagwalada Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have urged the newly inaugurated council chairman, Mr Kasim Mohammed, to prioritise infrastructure and service delivery across the council.
The residents spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Gwagwalada.
They identified security, improved healthcare delivery, road infrastructure, agriculture, proper waste management and support for small businesses as key areas that required urgent attention.
They appealed to the chairman to fulfill all his campaign promises by focusing on grassroots development in order to improve the living conditions of Gwagwalada residents.
NAN reports that Muhammed was sworn in as the new chairman of Gwagwalada Area Council by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, on June 15.
Mr Abubakar Suleiman, a resident said he was optimistic that the chairman would deliver on his promises, describing him as a man of action.
Suleiman said that Gwagwalada residents were happy with the calibre of leadership in the council, adding that his speech during his inauguration shows his focus towards moving the council forward.
“His seven-point agenda is well thought out and people oriented. I know him very well, he is a man of action, whatever he says, he puts into practice,” he said.
He called for sustainable development, particularly in infrastructure, healthcare, security, market expansion, among others.
“We are looking forward to more development, especially in infrastructure and market development.
“During his inauguration, he emphasised that ongoing projects would be completed for the benefit of the people.
“There are many roads that are in poor condition, making movement and business activities difficult for residents and traders.
“If these roads are rehabilitated, it will improve transportation, boost commercial activities, and make it easier for people to carry out daily activities,” he said.
Mrs Rukkayat Ismaila, speaking on behalf of the Market Women Association, highlighted some of the challenges faced by traders to include lack of shops in the area.
Ismaila said the available shops were too expensive for an average market woman to afford.
She said that such challenges had made it difficult for them to grow their businesses and support their families.
She appealed to the new chairman to support and empower residents, especially traders and farmers in rural communities.
“We are appealing to the new chairman to assist people and create opportunities that will improve their lives.
“We need assistance and empowerment that will help us improve our businesses because most of us do not have anyone to support us financially,” she said.
She also urged the chairman to pay attention to their concerns by introducing programmes that would help boost their trade.
Another resident, Mr Hassan Salau, called on the new chairman to work in the interest of the people, irrespective of tribe, religion and political affiliation for the growth and development of the council.
“We want him to remain focused on delivering good governance and improving the lives of residents,” he said.
Mr Christopher Idoko said that the Gwagwalada Area Council required urgent intervention, particularly in the areas of environmental sanitation and healthcare services.
Idoko expressed concern over the heaps of refuse scattered across the council, describing the situation as both unsightly and a threat to public health.
“Much needs to be done in the area of waste management in Gwagwalada. It has become a serious issue that requires urgent attention.
“An area council as large as Gwagwalada should have a standard waste management system to prevent indiscriminate dumping of refuse.
“Poor waste management can lead to outbreaks of diseases such as cholera and diarrhoea, posing serious risks to residents,” he said.
He appealed to the newly elected chairman to initiate transformative projects that would leave a lasting legacy and impact on the council positively beyond his tenure.
Sabolo Ibrahim, a commercial motorcyclist, expressed concern over the security situation and called for inclusive governance.
“One of the major challenges facing us today is insecurity, and we expect the new administration to pay attention to it.
“I also want the new chairman to carry everyone along in his administration and ensure that no one is left behind.
“We are hopeful that things will improve now that we have a new chairman.
“I wish him a successful tenure and pray that he achieves all his goals for the benefit of the people,” he said.
NAN recalls that Mohammed had, during his inauguration, unveiled a seven-point development agenda to serve as the roadmap for governance in the next four years.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Kadiri Abdulrahman