The Karu Gbagyi Development Association has called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr Nyesom Wike, to relocate the Karu abattoir from the heart of the community, citing pollution, health and social concerns.
Mr Sumner Sabo made the appeal on Sunday in Abuja at the association’s end-of-year celebration, themed “Karu and Nation Building: Promoting Excellence in Unity”.
Sabo said the abattoir’s location at the centre of Karu Community had exposed residents to environmental hazards, including contamination of streams by waste from slaughtered animals.
He said the situation posed serious health and environmental risks and had also encouraged illegal drug activities in the area, negatively affecting youths.
According to Sabo, some young people had become distracted, with cases of drug addiction and criminal behaviour reportedly linked to activities around the abattoir.
He appealed to the FCT minister to relocate the facility to a remote area in the interest of public health, environmental safety and youth development.
Sabo said the existing abattoir site could be converted into educational institutions or a sports facility to serve the needs of the community.
He also urged the Federal Capital Territory Administration to intervene in the long-delayed Karu General Hospital project, which began in 2006 but has faced repeated setbacks under a Public Private Partnership arrangement.
Sabo called for the FCTA to assume full responsibility for the project to enable its completion and ease residents’ difficulties in accessing healthcare services.
He commended the FCT minister for ongoing development projects in Karu Community and assured him of the association’s commitment to safeguarding public facilities.
In his remarks, Senator Philip Aduda called for unity among community members, describing it as essential for sustainable development.
He also praised the association’s scholarship scheme and encouraged beneficiaries to make good use of the opportunity.
NAN reports that the event included the award of scholarships to students and honours presented to distinguished individuals, including the FCT minister and Senator Aduda.
