Kabusa: 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) said the situation was taking a toll on their health and livelihoods.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Mr. Musa Ibrahim, a teacher, highlighted the absence of proper waste management systems, which has 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 stated.
Mrs. Francisca Okoro, a civil servant, expressed her concerns over the lack of proper waste disposal facilities, noting the adverse effects on her family’s health. Okoro, a mother of three, mentioned that her children had been frequently ill, attributing it to the unsanitary conditions. “People dispose of waste indiscriminately, and this is harmful to our health. My children have been in an
d out of the clinic, and I believe many residents are facing similar challenges. This issue needs urgent attention,” she emphasized.
Mrs. Aisha Bello, a trader, pointed out the major concern of access to clean water, revealing that most households are dependent on privately owned boreholes. She stressed the need for government intervention, saying, “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.”
Residents also expressed worries about the absence of adequate toilet facilities, especially in the local market. Mr. Goodluck Akpan, a trader at Kabusa market, highlighted the serious hygiene risks posed by the lack of toilets. “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 urged.
The economic hardships faced by the residen
ts have been linked to growing insecurity in the area. Mr. Chidi Izu noted that many families are 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 observed.
He appealed to the government to urgently provide basic amenities and improve living conditions in the community.