By Muawuya Bala Idris, Katsina
Residents of Sardauna Housing Estate in Katsina have staged a peaceful protest over the alleged conversion and allocation of land originally designated for public facilities and social amenities to private individuals.
The protest, which attracted more than 100 residents, was triggered by concerns over developments within the estate, particularly the construction of a clinic on a plot which residents said was originally intended to provide adequate healthcare services to the community.
The residents expressed concern that the current development could leave insufficient space for future expansion of the facility and limit its ability to meet the healthcare needs of the growing population.
Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Hon. Salisu Hamza, Member representing Kankia Local Government Area in the Katsina State House of Assembly, said the alleged conversion of the land could deprive residents of adequate access to essential healthcare services, particularly families requiring medical attention at night.
Hamza further alleged that two plots originally designated for the establishment of primary and secondary schools had been allocated for private use.
He also raised concerns over the alleged diversion of other plots earmarked for a market and children’s playgrounds.
According to him, Sardauna Housing Estate is one of the largest housing estates in Katsina State, with more than 800 households, yet it has no formal educational institution within the estate.
He said the situation had forced children living in the community to travel outside the estate to access educational facilities.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Sardauna Housing Estate Residents Association, Malam Musa Rabi’u Mahuta, said other housing estates across the state have schools and other essential social facilities to cater to the needs of their residents.
Mahuta disclosed that the association had formally appealed to the Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umar Radda, PhD, to intervene by reviewing the allocation of lands originally designated for public facilities and ensuring that such lands are preserved for the benefit of the community.
He said residents were making efforts to establish a community school ahead of the next academic session but expressed concern that inadequate land could restrict the school’s future expansion and development.
The chairman also called for the preservation of plots designated for a market, children’s playground and other community facilities, stressing that such amenities were essential to the health, welfare and overall quality of life of residents.
Mahuta further disclosed that the association had requested an audience with the governor to present the broader infrastructural challenges confronting the estate, including deteriorating roads and inadequate security lighting.
He said the poor state of infrastructure and inadequate lighting had heightened residents’ concerns over insecurity in the community.
The chairman recalled that the estate had previously experienced incidents of criminal activity, including an alleged invasion by hoodlums during which valuables were stolen and some residents sustained injuries.
He said similar incidents had occurred on different occasions, prompting increased security attention by the Katsina State Police Command.
Mahuta appealed to residents to remain calm and law-abiding, expressing confidence that the issues would be resolved amicably through dialogue and appropriate intervention by the relevant authorities.
He stressed that public facilities and lands designated for social amenities should be protected in accordance with established rules and regulations, as they are intended to serve the collective interests of residents and the wider public.
The Residents Association reiterated its commitment to constructive engagement with the government and other relevant authorities towards finding lasting solutions to the challenges confronting the estate.