Residents of Badikko community in Kaduna South Local Government Area of Kaduna State have appealed to Governor Uba Sani to intervene in the deteriorating condition of roads and drainage infrastructure in the area.
The appeal was contained in an open letter on August 29 by the Badikko Reformers Group (BRG) and the Progressive Youth Forum (PYF), Badikko.
Sharifudeen Muhammad, who signed the letter on behalf of the groups, lamented the poor state of the roads and drainage, particularly during the rainy season.
He also noted the flood risks highlighted in forecasts by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
He warned that failure to take urgent action could lead to further deterioration of the roads, flooding of residential areas and disruption of access to major institutions located in the community.
Muhammad said the community was strategic to the state, as it hosts the Sir Kashim Ibrahim Government House, the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital (44 NARH) and part of Kaduna Polytechnic.
He added that it serves as a major route for residents of Hayin Dan-Mani, Mahuta and Kurmin Mashi, travelling to the Central and Old Panteka markets.
Muhammad said the roads in Badikko and its adjoining routes were riddled with potholes, prone to erosion and with inadequate road surfaces, while the drainage system was insufficient to effectively channel stormwater.
He noted that the problem was affecting several aspects of community life, including vehicular movement to the Government House, access to healthcare services at 44 NARH, activities at Kaduna Polytechnic and commercial activities.
Muhammad expressed concern that the poor condition of the roads could hamper emergency and security responses in the community.
He called on the governor to direct the immediate assessment of roads and drainage channels in Badikko by the state Ministry of Works and Infrastructure.
Muhammad requested the construction and rehabilitation of major roads in the community, as well as the provision of standard drainage systems as an emergency measure against flooding.
He also urged the government to prioritise roads leading to the Government House, 44 NARH and Kaduna Polytechnic, as well as routes connecting Hayin Dan-Mani, Mahuta and Kurmin Mashi to the Central and Old Panteka markets.
He appealed to Governor Sani to convene a stakeholder meeting with the leadership of BRG and PYF within seven days to discuss possible emergency interventions.
Muhammad said residents of Badikko had continued to support the All Progressives Congress (APC) since 2015 and expressed confidence that the governor will respond positively to their demands under his administration’s development agenda.
