By Khadija Ridwan Parda, Bauchi
Bintalo, a mother whose daughter was suffering from an ailment, has become the latest victim of a lack of hospital in Parda, a rural settlement in Burra District of Ningi local government, resulting in the untimely death of her beloved daughter.
The indigenous community of Parda, like other marginalised Nigerian communities, suffers a visible lack of social amenities, including hospitals and schools that are unfortunately enjoyed by some of their communal neighbours.
In a sober mood, the grieving mother said, “My daughter has massively suffered from her sickness, as a result of a lack of hospitals that can take proper care of her, which subsequently, led to her untimely death, with this, I call to the government to ensure that communities like us are provided with healthcare facilities,” the mother cried out.
A passionate community member who spoke to our reporter on condition of anonymity has accused the authorities of favouring villages like Kafin Lemo and Bashe, 20 kilometres away from Parda, by providing them with schools and primary healthcare centers, leaving poor Parda to the mercy of its only abandoned school structure.
On his part, the ward head of Parda community, Alh. Rilwan Idris, said lack of school in the village, apart from the healthcare facilities that they are lacking is also another great concern as their children are suffering from the bondage of illiteracy and other infrastructural deficiencies.
He said “we are pleading with the government to provide us with school teachers who will teach our children, because it has been since the school was built and abandoned, where no any single teacher to teach our future generation” the district head lamented.
Alh. Rilwan however, added that women in the area mostly give birth in their homes as a result of lack vehicles that can carry them to the nearest matanity ward due to the dilapidated condition of the their road.
the district head further applead to government to construct road network, that will link them with their neighboring communities that will help ease their suffering and give them easier access to take their pregnant women to hospitals especially during childbirth labour.
it is common knowledge that a government, especially in a democracy, exists to provide such marginalised communities with social amenities as dividends of democracy so that their lives may be touched positively.
It’s heartbreaking to learn about Bintalo’s loss of her daughter, a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by communities like Parda. The lack of access to quality education and primary healthcare is a pressing concern.
I urge government officials, politicians, community leaders, business leaders, and stakeholders to join forces and support the establishment of an educational center in Parda Community.
Every child, regardless of their background, deserves access to quality education and the opportunity to become future leaders.
We implore the government and stakeholders to bring about positive change and empower the young generation of Parda Community.
Furthermore, we encourage graduates from Parda to contribute their skills and expertise towards community development.
Together, we can make a meaningful difference.