Since its establishment in 1971, the Gurfata community in Gwagwalada Area Council has been a silent sufferer of neglect and indifference from local and federal authorities. Despite being home to the Gurfata Primary School, this community lacks even the most basic amenities, including a motorable road. Instead, its residents are forced to rely on the Izom-Suleja road to access essential services in Gwagwalada, demonstrating a shocking disregard for their welfare and safety.
The absence of a proper road network is not merely an inconvenience; it is a fundamental violation of the community’s rights and a barrier to socio-economic development. Gurfata, like many other rural areas, relies heavily on agriculture for its livelihood. However, without adequate infrastructure, farmers struggle to transport their produce to markets, forcing them to resort to makeshift routes through nomadic paths to neighboring Niger state. This not only increases the cost of transportation but also poses significant risks to both the farmers and their goods.
The apathy displayed by successive chairmen of the area council and the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) is inexcusable. For decades, promises have been made, but actions have been woefully lacking. It is time for those in positions of power to acknowledge the injustice faced by the Gurfata community and take meaningful steps to address it.
The FCTA Department of Agriculture and Rural Development must lead the charge in rectifying this dire situation. Investing in rural agricultural roads is not a luxury; it is a necessity for the survival and prosperity of communities like Gurfata. These roads would not only facilitate the transportation of agricultural goods but also improve access to education, healthcare, and other essential services.
Furthermore, the neglect of Gurfata is a stark reminder of the broader issues of inequality and marginalization faced by rural communities across Nigeria. It is a symptom of a systemic failure to prioritize the needs of the most vulnerable and marginalized populations. As such, addressing the plight of Gurfata must be part of a larger commitment to rural development and social justice.
The time for empty promises and excuses is over. The people of Gurfata deserve better. They deserve access to basic infrastructure and opportunities for a better life. It is incumbent upon all levels of government to heed their cries and take concrete action to #savegwagz.
In the words of Nelson Mandela, “Overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity. It is an act of justice. It is the protection of a fundamental human right, the right to dignity and a decent life.” Let us stand in solidarity with the Gurfata community and demand the justice and dignity they so rightfully deserve.