By Sarah NEGEDU
Despite its strategic location and proximity to one of Abuja’s busiest commercial hubs, Saburi community has suffered years of neglect with little or no government presence.
Basic amenities like primary health centers, tarred roads, pipe borne water, public schools and even police stations, are conspicuously absent in in the community despite its bulging population.
All that is however to change, when the Nyesom Wike-led administration, in February 2024, flagged off the construction of the 5kilometers access road to connect Saburi 1 and 2 to the Dei-dei Building Material Market.
Though still under construction, the development has since restored life to the once sleepy community, providing smooth and easy access to the ever busy Dei-dei International Market.
A recent visit to the community, revealed the level of transformation and the number of businesses that are thriving as a result of the road construction.
Some of the residents who spoke to our correspondent say the development has tightened security of the area and brought about boom in businesses.
For instance, Akin Akinwande, who runs a car wash business along the newly paved road, said the impact has been life-changing.
He said the road has not only brought more traffic but also more customers. “Traffic has grown from 10 to over 100 cars passing every minute and the implementation is that a good number of the drivers will want to have their cars washed before they go to their various places of business. So i thank God because my business is thriving again,” Akin said.
The happy business man also thank the FCT Minister for the quality of work on the road noting that, “Before this, the road we had didn’t last three weeks before it crumbled. But this one is different; it’s a standard road. For the first time, we, the less privileged, are benefiting directly from a minister’s work in the FCT.”
Akinwande however, noted a potential issue. “There’s a drainage near Imperial Garden that wasn’t properly tarred. If it’s not addressed, it might cause problems later,” he warned.
Also, a furniture maker, Nicholas Emmanuel, shared a similar story of resilience and growth. Recalling how the once dusty road used to affect his business, he said “The dust was unbearable. It would settle on my furniture, and customers would hesitate to buy. Even I started having health issues,” he said.
Things are however looking up for the furniture maker who said his business is getting the needed attention with the new road in place, “Now, my furniture stays clean, and customers are coming back. Business has improved, and I’m very thankful to the minister,” Nicholas added.
For Mrs. Justina Ochoche, who runs a local buka along the road, the road construction has not just brought a face lift to Saburi, but also provided better opportunities for business. “Before this road, everywhere was filled with mud, and children struggled to go to school. Now, people stop by to patronise us, and business is moving,” she said with a smile.
On his part, the community chief of the community, the Dakachin Saburi. Alh. Muhammad Yamao, said the road signifies a new era of growth and opportunity after years of neglect.
Speaking in Hausa, the elated chief said, “I am very happy with the road construction. It has brought life and development to our people. I appreciate the FCT Minister and the Chairman for their efforts in making this possible. They have truly remembered us.”
The chief also emphasized other urgent needs in the community. “We still require a police station to enhance security and a well-equipped primary health center to address our healthcare challenges. Thankfully, the minister has already laid the foundation, and we are hopeful it will be completed soon, just like the road project,” he said.
“This road is a great start, but there is still more to be done.”
While the road has transformed Saburi 1, some residents see it as the beginning of broader development. Truck driver Emeka Uduma, who has lived in the community for over a decade, praised the minister’s leadership. “Our new minister is a man of action. He has given us a road that has made life easier and eliminated traffic jams,” he said.
However, Emeka also pointed to challenges like high revenue levies for truck drivers. “The levies are too high, and we hope the minister can reduce them. With the good work he’s doing, addressing this will help even more,” he said.
Others, like shop owner Emmanuel Ogbo, called for additional safety measures. “There are no speed bumps, and reckless driving is a problem. Speed bumps would reduce the risk of accidents,” he suggested.
The residents of Saburi 1 are united in their gratitude and optimism. As the community chief aptly put it, “This is just the beginning. With more projects, our community will truly thrive.”
