Some indigenous leaders of Karu community have accused the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC ) chairman, Abdullahi Candido of abuse of office by deliberately distorting the original development plans at the Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC ) in Karu.
The worried leaders said the ongoing illegal construction of shops, meant for commercial purposes within the premises of the PHC, as approved by the council chairman, was not only an infraction but an executive error that will adversely affect public interest.
They said the development of commercial shops is detrimental to the health and safety of Karu indigenes living in the area.
In a letter of protest to FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Bello, the community alleged that the chairman disregarded the community’s concerns and “continued with the illegal project because he is bent on sacrificing public interest to satisfy the desires of few of his political associates.”
The letter signed by Shekwaga Ayinsa, James Babe Esq., Samuel Aye, Sunday Karu and Samson Zhokwo, alleged that the PHC commissioned in 1994, had been begging for renovation and expansion, due to the ever growing population in the community.
While they called on the minister to urgently order the immediate halt of the ongoing construction, they noted that facilities at the centre should be upgraded to meet the needs of the people and present realities in the health sector.
They further stated that it was unfair and unjustifiable for the council chairman to pursue political interest when the community’s interest being neglected.
It reads in parts: “We the undersigned members of Karu Community within the Abuja Municipal Area Councils (AMAC) write to complain against the ongoing construction of shops by AMAC within the premises of Karu Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC), a public facility that is meant to cater for the health needs of the community members and the general public.
“We kindly write to your office to demand for an immediate investigation and cancellation of the said project. Moreso, that this project is not in line with the primary purpose of establishment of the Karu PHC.
Reacting to the development, Head Department of Works AMAC, Arch. Gaza Andrew, debunked claims that the shops were for commercial purposes.
He said the project was rather a completion and upgrade of over 10 years abandoned Sickle Cell, public convenience with pharmacy shop within the premises of the PHC.
Andrew, who reacted via WhatsApp messenger, insisted that the existing structure was dilapidated and weak, and could not be continued, which explains why entirely new structures were being erected.
He, however, revealed that the activities at the construction site have been stopped since two months ago due to the intervention of the FCT Development Control Department (FCTDCD) that issued a stop work notice on the site.
He added as it stands, the Council has stopped the construction works at the site since receiving the stop notice, so as to allow the DCD officials and its engineers to ensure that the proper thing is done.
