Residents of Kafanchan in the Jema’a local government area of Kaduna State have lamented the abandonment of some road and drainage projects in the state.
They said the non-completion of the projects had led to many road accidents and frequent flooding.
One of the residents, Aliyu Abba, said the projects, which were awarded during former governor Nasir El-Rufai’s administration, covered about 28 kilometres.
He, however, said only 10 kilometres were completed before the current administration stopped the project.
Abba said, “We, the people of Kafanchan, are calling on the state government and the governor of Kaduna State to come to our aid. Because our people are facing serious issues this rainy season. For example, houses have been submerged due to erosion.”
“And due to the wide holes in the drainages, we cannot cross them. We get injured in our legs because it is difficult to cross them. We have over 30 casualties in hospitals,” he said
Abba lamented that the contractor had removed its equipment and abandoned the site, leaving the community vulnerable and exposed to other dangers from the incomplete project.
Another resident who pleaded for anonymity highlighted the health risks from stagnant water caused by the broken drainage system.
“When it rains, erosion enters people’s homes. The environment is filthy, and mosquitoes abound with cases of malaria. The people are complaining about the abandoned road,” he said.
“Not up to 10 kilometres was done by the last administration, and the incumbent government abandoned the work. We have been pleading, but nothing has been done,” he said.
He, therefore, appealed to Governor Uba Sani to mobilise contractors back to the site save the community from further environmental and health hazards.
