Kano Communities Stage Protest Over Uncompleted Road

Residents of Unguwar Kwari, Samegu, and Gwazaye in Kano State took to the streets on Sunday to protest what they describe as the abandonment of their road, which has led to significant hardship.

The road, spanning over 40 kilometers, is in a deplorable condition, marked by numerous potholes. Despite being awarded to contractors multiple times since Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf took office, the project has seen no substantial progress.

Sabiu Ado Unguwar Kwari, the leader of the Unguwar Kwari Development Association, spoke on behalf of the community, explaining that the road's poor state has disrupted daily life, particularly impacting the transportation of goods and people's movement.

He further noted that the situation has resulted in frequent accidents, leading to the loss of lives and property, and has severely hampered business and economic activities in the area.

The Unguwar Kwari community has appealed to the government for the urgent rehabilitation of the road, emphasizing its economic importance as a vital link for farming communities to the city.

"We are calling on the Kano State government and all stakeholders to come to the aid of the people of western Kano. This road connects communities in local government areas such as Kumbotso, Madobi, Bebeji, Kiru, and Karaye, and even extends to neighboring communities in Kaduna State.

"We observe projects being executed all over the city, but the government must recognize that people in rural areas also deserve these developmental projects.

"We are exhausted. We are citizens who voted, just like everyone else. We are demanding our rights, not a special favour, so the government should listen to us," he stated.

The community leader also alleged that due to the road's terrible condition, many sick individuals have died, accidents have become more common, and even pregnant women en route to the hospital have faced severe difficulties.

He urged the government to take immediate action to repair the road, asserting that such an intervention would alleviate the suffering of the community and improve their quality of life.

During the demonstration, protesters held placards with messages such as "Fix our road, we are suffering," "Our health is at risk," "We are tired of lamenting, listen to us," and "Road repair is our right, not a privilege."