In Nasarawa State, the Agency In charge of Urban Development initially undertook the construction of a drainage system along Shingye Road, opposite the Lafia Abattoir.
The project, contracted to Tracta, inadvertently created an artificial erosion problem, exacerbating the challenges faced by the local community.
The construction aimed to channel water from various areas, including Gidi Gidi and Shingye.
However, the water was redirected through a Muslim graveyard, causing significant disturbance. The erosion unearthed graves and created severe difficulties for residents.
Recognizing the severity of the issue, the Urban Management Assistance Program (UMAP), a global initiative, identified the affected homes for repairs.
Their objective was to alleviate the hardships caused by the artificial erosion. Despite their best intentions, UMAP's program ended before the repairs could be completed, leaving the community in distress.
When the project was re-evaluated, political influences redirected efforts away from the erosion's starting point. Instead of addressing the core issue, the new plan diverted resources to the area near the Catholic Church, known as Churching Baturen.
This decision left the graveyard and surrounding residents to fend for themselves, raising questions about the community's treatment and the fairness of such decisions.
The affected residents, who supported the current government, now find themselves at the mercy of fate.
Their plight underscores the need for more equitable and effective solutions to infrastructure problems, emphasizing that no community should be left behind in the wake of political maneuvering.
