By Bulus Chomgsu John
Residents of the Guru district in Bauchi’s local government have appealed for
government intervention to address poor road infrastructure and the lack of
medical facilities, which they say have severely impacted their lives.
Guru’s Village Head, Mal. Ahmed Muhammadu Baba, spoke out about the
community’s hardships, particularly for pregnant women who face significant
risks as they travel long distances to access healthcare.
“We are grateful to the government for providing us with schools, electricity, and
water,” Baba said, “but a healthcare facility is crucial. We have lost lives because
of the absence of a nearby hospital.”
To cope with the deteriorating road conditions, residents have resorted to filling
potholes with sand, hoping to make the roads passable. The unmaintained roads
are a daily obstacle, causing delays and posing risks, especially during
emergencies.
Local residents are also concerned that Guru, despite its rich history, is lagging
behind other communities in development.
A resident Bashir Bala remarked on Guru’s historic significance, saying, “It’s
surprising to see other areas more developed than Guru. This place deserves
better roads and a dispensary to serve our people.”
Residents have made several appeals for a local dispensary, which would provide
essential services and save lives.
“Currently, the nearest medical facility requires a long and treacherous journey,
often discouraging residents from seeking timely medical care. We need a facility
now,” said Sani Idi.
The community has appealed to local government and philanthropists to come to
their aid as the community is in desperate need of basic facilities to enjoy what
other communities in the local government are enjoying.
Mal. Baba and other residents expressed optimism, urging the government to
respond to their requests for a dispensary and road repairs. “We are hopeful,”
Baba said, “that our voices will be heard and that the government will bring the
relief we need.”
Effort to speak with local government authorities proved abortive as they failed to
respond to the inquiries on the community.
