For over 50 years, the people living in Checheyi, Dagiri Bassa, Kuchichacha, and Pai in Kwali Area Council, FCT Abuja, have struggled with terrible road conditions. The roads were littered with potholes, dirt, and crumbling pavement. With more than 100,000 people relying on this route, the roads have caused mobility challenges.
In 2022, the federal government allocated N100 million to build a 14-kilometre road on the axis. Despite a total payment of N151.8 million to two contractors – District Projects Ltd (N6.6m) in September 2022 and Kis-Mate Integrated Resources Ltd (N145.2m) between December 2022 and May 2024 – under the Upper Niger River Basin Development Agency. However, only 1km of the road has been completed, and the problem persists.
This has left the residents of Pai Ward in Kwali Area Council in a difficult situation. The Pai Road connects eleven communities and is a crucial path for economic activities between Kwali and Gwagwalada town.
The unfinished road projects have caused much damage, especially during the rainy season when the road becomes virtually impassable. Children cannot go to school, farmers are unable to transport their goods, and all economic activities are halted, crippling the communities.
We call on the Managing Director of UBRBDA, Mr Abubakar Halilu Muazu, to call the contractors back to the site, facilitate the completion of this project and ensure that public funds work for the people.
We also call on Hon Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, the FCT Minister; Senator Ireti Kingbe, the Senator representing FCT; Hon. Abdulrahman Aliyu, House of Representatives Member for Abuja South; and Hon. Danladi Chiya, chairman of Kwali Area Council to facilitate the completion of this road to alleviate the suffering of over 100,000 people living in Pai and its environs.
Story by Ayomide Ladipo and Garba Abdullahi
