Residents of Unguwar Kwari, Samegu and Gwazaye in Kano state on Sunday protested over what they described as neglect of their road which has exposed them to hardship.
The over 40-kilometer-road, which has been in deplorable condition with potholes, has at various times been awarded to contractors since Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf came onboard, but the work seems never to progress.
Speaking on behalf of the community during the protest, the leader of Unguwar Kwari Development Association, Sabiu Ado Unguwar Kwari, lamented that the poor state of the road has disrupted daily activities, particularly the transportation of goods and movement of people.
He noted that the situation had led to frequent accidents, loss of lives and property, while also stifling business and economic activities in the area.
Unguwar Kwari appealed to the government to urgently rehabilitate the road due to its economic importance as it connects the farming communities to the city.
He said, “We call on Kano state government and all stakeholders to come and rescue the people of western Kano. This is the road that links communities in local government areas of Kumbotso, Madobi, Bebeji, Kiru and Karaye and even neighboring communities in Kaduna state.
“We see projects all over the city, but government needs to understand that people in rural areas also have the right to these projects.
“We are tired. We are also citizens who voted just like any other citizen. We are asking for our right, not privilege, so government should listen to us,” he added.
The community leader also alleged as a result of the deplorable condition of the road, many sick people have died, accidents have increased and even pregnant women going to hospital are suffering.
He also called on the government to take immediate action to fix the road, stressing that such intervention would ease the difficulties faced by the community and improve their living conditions.
During the protest, residents raised placards with inscriptions 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 privilege” among others.