By Abdullahi Inuwa
Residents of Sardauna Housing Estate in Katsina have taken to the streets in a peaceful protest, raising the alarm over the alleged conversion and allocation of lands originally reserved for schools, healthcare facilities, markets and recreational centres to private individuals.
The protest, which attracted more than 100 residents, was sparked by growing concerns over developments within the estate which residents fear could deprive the rapidly expanding community of essential social infrastructure.
One of the major concerns raised by the protesters was the construction of a clinic on a plot they claimed was originally earmarked for a public healthcare facility.
According to the residents, while they welcome the provision of healthcare services, the size and location of the plot could make it difficult for the facility to expand in the future to meet the needs of the estate’s growing population.
Speaking on behalf of the residents, the member representing Kankia Local Government Area in the Katsina State House of Assembly, Hon. Salisu Hamza, said the alleged conversion of reserved plots could have serious consequences for the welfare of residents.
He particularly expressed concern about healthcare access, noting that residents, especially families with urgent medical needs at night, require a properly planned and adequately equipped health facility within the estate.
Hamza further alleged that two plots initially designated for the construction of primary and secondary schools had been allocated for private purposes.
He also raised concerns over the alleged diversion of other plots reserved for a market and children’s playgrounds, saying the development could undermine the original master plan of the estate.
With more than 800 households, Sardauna Housing Estate is regarded as one of the largest residential communities in the state. Yet, residents say the estate still lacks a formal school, forcing children to travel outside the community to access basic education.
The Chairman of the Sardauna Housing Estate Residents Association, Malam Musa Rabi’u Mahuta, said the situation was becoming increasingly worrisome, especially as other housing estates across Katsina State have schools and other social amenities.
Mahuta disclosed that the association had formally appealed to the Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umar Radda, to intervene by reviewing the allocation of plots originally reserved for public facilities.
He said the residents were particularly seeking government intervention to ensure that lands meant for schools, healthcare, markets, playgrounds and other public facilities remained protected for the benefit of the community.
According to him, residents are already making efforts to establish a community school ahead of the next academic session, but the lack of sufficient land could hamper the institution’s future expansion.
“We want a school that can serve our children today and also accommodate the growing population of the estate tomorrow,” the residents maintained.
Mahuta also called for the preservation of land earmarked for a market, children’s playground and other recreational facilities, stressing that such amenities are not luxuries but essential components of a properly planned residential community.
Beyond the issue of land allocation, the residents also want urgent government attention to the deteriorating condition of roads and inadequate street lighting within the estate.
Mahuta said the poor state of infrastructure and darkness in some parts of the estate had heightened concerns about security, particularly at night.
He recalled previous incidents of criminal activities in the community, including an alleged invasion by hoodlums during which valuables were reportedly stolen and some residents injured.
According to him, similar incidents had occurred at different times, prompting increased security attention from the Katsina State Police Command.
The residents, however, stressed that their protest was not intended to confront the government but to draw attention to issues they believe could affect the future wellbeing of the community.
Mahuta appealed to residents to remain peaceful and law-abiding, expressing confidence that the matter would be resolved through dialogue and government intervention.
He urged relevant authorities to uphold the original purpose of land allocations within the estate, arguing that plots reserved for social amenities should not be diverted for private use.
The Residents Association reiterated its readiness to engage constructively with the state government and relevant agencies to find lasting solutions to the estate’s infrastructural challenges.
The residents said their demand was simple: preserve the land meant for the people, provide the promised social amenities and ensure that Sardauna Estate develops into a safe and properly planned community for present and future generations.
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