By Zailani Mustapha Over four months after the ceremonial flag-off of three major infrastructure projects in Sabon Gari Local Government A...
By Zailani Mustapha
Over four months after the
ceremonial flag-off of three major infrastructure projects in Sabon Gari Local
Government Area by the Council Chairman, Hon. Jamilu Abubakar Albani, concerned
residents are raising alarm over the total lack of progress on the ground.
The projects—widely publicised as “transformational”—included
a flyover at Kwangila (Hanwa Ward), a bridge at Palladan (Basawa Ward), and the
Sakadadi Road in Dogarawa Ward. They were ceremoniously launched on May 16,
2025, in an event attended by top government officials and political allies.
However, 126 days later, the sites remain untouched, with no signs of
contractors, materials, or equipment—sparking frustration among the locals.
“This is not the development we were
promised,” said Ibrahim Sani, a teacher from Dogarawa. “They brought the
cameras, the branded tapes, and the media. Since then, not even a shovel has
touched the ground.”
Many residents now describe the
flag-off as merely symbolic and politically motivated, questioning why such
fanfare was used to kick-start projects that had no immediate follow-up.
“They just used it to campaign for
Uba Sani,” lamented Hadiza Mohammed, a trader at Kwangila. “We cheered, we
hoped, but nothing has changed. It’s even worse now—dust, potholes, and broken promises.”
Several community leaders have also
voiced concern, warning that trust in local governance is being eroded.
“If there’s no plan to execute, then
why the deception?” asked Malam Bashir Isyaku, a youth leader in Palladan. “The
Chairman owes the people of Sabon Gari an explanation. These projects are not
favours—they are public rights.”
When contacted, a local official who
requested anonymity said the council is still “waiting for contractors to
mobilise,” but declined to give a timeline or reasons for the prolonged delay.
The Council Chairman, Hon. Jamilu
Albani, had pledged during the flag-off that the projects would be implemented
with “transparency, accountability, and strict adherence to quality standards.”
He also tied the development agenda to his public endorsement of Governor Uba
Sani’s 2027 re-election bid, stating that Sabon Gari was “fully aligned with
the Governor’s vision.”
But residents now say that symbolic
politics must not replace real progress, urging Albani to match words with
action.
Civil society groups and local
commentators have condemned the delay, describing it as a classic case of
“flag-off without follow-through.” They argue that the people deserve more than
photo-ops and media stunts.
“Public office is not about
propaganda. It’s about delivery,” said Barr. Zainab Musa, a policy analyst
based in Zaria. “What’s happening in Sabon Gari is a wake-up call. Elected
leaders must understand that symbolic gestures cannot tar roads or build
bridges.”
The call is now growing louder for Hon.
Albani to honour his promise, re-engage contractors, and immediately commence
work on the long-awaited infrastructure projects.
Until then, the residents of Sabon
Gari continue to wait—not for another flag-off, but for actual, visible
development.
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