By Eniola Elewude
Residents of Kabusa village in the FCT have decried poor sanitation, limited access to clean water and rising food costs, urging government intervention.
A cross-section of residents who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday said the situation was taking a toll on their health and livelihoods.
Mr Musa Ibrahim, a teacher, said the absence of proper waste management systems had led to indiscriminate dumping of refuse.
“We do not have waste bins or any government collection service. People dump waste anywhere, and it is affecting our environment,” he said.
Mrs Francisca Okoro, a civil servant, also lamented the lack of proper waste disposal facilities in the area.
Okoro, a mother of three, said her children had been frequently ill in recent weeks.
“People dispose of waste indiscriminately, and this is harmful to our health. My children have been in and out of the clinic, and I believe many residents are facing similar challenges. This issue needs urgent attention,” she said.
Mrs Aisha Bello, a trader, identified access to clean water as a major concern, noting that most households relied on privately owned boreholes.
“We do not have access to pipe-borne water. Residents depend on individual boreholes, which are expensive to install and insufficient for the community.
“Government should help provide more water sources,” she said.
On sanitation, some residents expressed concern over the absence of adequate toilet facilities, especially in the local market.
Mr Goodluck Akpan, a trader at Kabusa market, said the lack of toilets posed serious hygiene risks.
“The market has no proper toilet facilities, forcing people to defecate indiscriminately and polluting the environment. Government should address this for the good of the community,” he said.
Residents also linked the harsh economic conditions to growing insecurity in the area.
Mr Chidi Izu said many families were struggling to meet basic needs due to rising food prices.
“Food prices have increased significantly, making it difficult for families to cope. Even cooking gas and firewood are now expensive.
“It is not surprising that crime is on the rise, with cases of theft occurring both day and night,” he said.
He appealed to the government to urgently provide basic amenities and improve living conditions in the community. (NAN)
Edited by Tosin Kolade
