Residents of Old Kutunku, Phase Two in the Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have appealed to the minister, Nyesom Wike, to address the lack of basic amenities, particularly the deplorable state of their major access road.
The community, which has existed for about 30 years, lacks critical infrastructure such as schools, healthcare facilities, and proper roads, which have severely hampered socioeconomic activities.
With 547 registered houses and a population of about 2,000, the area is home to farmers, traders, business owners, and civil servants.
However, the five-kilometre road linking Keida to Lapai in Niger State remains unmotorable, causing hardship for residents.
Retired Reverend Simon Danjuma Kaura, a community leader, lamented the poor state of the road, linking it to frequent motorcycle (okada) accidents that have left many with serious injuries.
“The dilapidated condition of this road has led to numerous accidents, with victims sustaining severe injuries.
“We appeal to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to intervene just as he has done in other communities benefiting from his road projects,” he said.
A civil servant, Mr Patrick Oseiji; a businessman, Mr James Ndachaba; and a trader, Mrs Agnes Christopher, also expressed frustration over the road’s condition, urging immediate government action.
“If this road is fixed, it will boost business activities and improve our living conditions,” Mrs Christopher said.
Chief Bitrus Mohammed Baba, the Mai Angwar of Keida Road, Phase Two, revealed that despite appeals to the Gwagwalada Area Council Authority, the community still lacks essential amenities.
“We have no health facilities here, not even a school. We have informed the council, and we hope for a solution. Still, we appreciate the chairman, Alhaji Abu Giri, for providing solar-powered street lights recently,” he stated.
While commending the minister for ongoing projects in the FCT, Chief Baba pleaded for urgent intervention in Old Kutunku.
Residents remain optimistic that the government will prioritise the construction of the Old Kutunku-Keida Road to enhance economic growth and improve the community’s livelihoods.
