Leadership (Abuja)
Sunday Isuwa
16 November 2009
Consequent upon their neglect by the authorities of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and the Kuje Area Council, the residents of Pegi Estate, one of the satellite towns in Abuja, have embarked on community infrastructural development, with special emphasis on the construction of a track road to link the community with the neighboring Kuje town.
The project, known as Kuchayiko Road, of about four Kilometers, will cost about N3million. It is to be financed through community levy of N5,000 per resident/ land lord, and donations from public-spirited individuals. Churches in the community and other corporate organizations are to pay the minimum of N20,000 as part of their contribution to the road project.
Pegi is where the victims of government's demolition exercise at Karmo, in 2005, were relocated. They were given portions of land as compensations for their properties that were destroyed by the then Minister of FCT, Malam Nasir El-Rufai.The Karmo demolition victims were also given building specifications to erect in their new abode.
Ironically however, five years after they were forced to Pegi, both the FCT administration and that of Kuje Area Council have failed to provide them with access road that could link them with other parts of Abuja.
The only such project started by El-Rufai was abandoned immediately he left office more than two years ago. Faced with this ordeal, LEADERSHIP gathered that the Pegi residents have to make do with a bush path which passes through people's farm lands and undeveloped residential plots.
This reporter gathered that about two months ago, the leadership of the residents association came up with the idea of constructing a link road. After the initial feasibility study, they summoned a meeting of the residents on November 7, 2009, where the decision was finally announced, to the joy of all who were present.
In a letter to the residents to this effect, signed by the association's chairman, Mr. Wasiu Oriola, and general secretary, Mr. Jude Akajiobi, the people were reminded that "a rejected person cannot reject himself".
The letter stated: "After series of meetings and due consultations, we have decided to embark on community infrastructural development which involves the track road linking Pegi through, Kuchayiko Kuje axis".
It added that "this decision was reached after series of letters and reminders to that effect to the federal and local governments without any response."
The association has also opened a bank account with the Aso Savings and Loans Plc, into which people would pay their money, for the purpose of transparency and accountability.
Some of the residents, who spoke on this development, lamented their abandonment by the FCT administration under the current minister, Senator Adamu, Aliero.
Mr. Anacletus Anyanwuocha, a resident, said, "We were dumped here in 2005 and five years after, the government has not deemed it proper to provide a road linking this place with other parts of Abuja. Not even refugees can be treated like this in a decent society. Maybe we have to appeal to the United Nations to come to our rescue."
Apart from the total lack of road in the area, the people of Pegi have no clean water, hospital or functional market. The electricity project they are currently enjoying was also provided through community action.
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