Beta community in Sumaila local government of Kano State has raised 10 million naira through self-imposed taxation on all adult residents of the community to fund road project after years of neglect from government.
Residents of Beta community said have taken matters into their own hand through taxing members to fund a 16-kilometer feeder road project that will alleviate long-standing transportation challenges.
WikkiTimes learnt that the village is determined to end decades of isolation from neighboring communities and ease transportation struggles, especially during the rainy season.
Mujittafa Abdullahi Beta, a community member, told WikkiTimes in an interview that the decision to fund the road project independently is the “best decision ever” made by community leaders.
He said the decision will benefit not only the current residents but also future generations, hence the support through diverse sources with some community members donating farm produce and others offering cash.
According to him, the community has managed to secure about N10 million in contributions and has contracted a construction company ‘Ruwa Sarkin Gyara’ to begin work on the feeder road.
He, however, noted that despite this effort, the funds may fall short of completing the project.
According to Mujittafa, the community’s resolve was fueled by disappointment with local politicians who repeatedly promised road construction during election campaigns but failed to deliver once elected.
“Politicians have consistently let us down, making empty promises to secure our votes and then vanishing after elections,” he lamented.
“Our community has been deprived of basic necessities like health care, clean water, and schools. This neglect has left people here feeling abandoned and hopeless.”
Another resident, Yakubu Manu, noted that the dangers posed by the poor state of the road made them describe it as a “death trap.”
Manu who is the secretary of the Okada Riders Association recounted how his own son suffered a fracture trying to navigate around road hazards.
He explained that many residents, especially pregnant women, have lost their lives en route to distant hospitals.
“Our community lacks essential government facilities,” Yakubu said. “The health clinic is in ruins, and the primary school hasn’t been repaired since 1987 when a block was destroyed. Our children use the clinic and school grounds as play areas because the facilities are virtually non-functional. The only government presence we see is occasional polio vaccination.”
Saminu Hussaini Umar Beta, the ward head, explained that contributions have come from every able adult, with some offering grains and others donating sums of N1,000 and above.
He said a high-powered committee oversees the project, which has seen significant progress due to the community’s commitment.
“No one was forced to contribute,” he noted. “It was patriotism and hope for a better future that drove people to support this initiative.”
He hinted that the feeder road will connect Beta with Dagora, Madobi, and Gani, providing access to over 13 neighboring communities.
The traditional leader expressed frustration with government inaction, noting that multiple pleas for assistance have been made to local, state, and federal authorities without any tangible response.
“Our goal is to leave a legacy,” he said. “This road will improve lives here, make transportation easier, and connect us with other communities. But we need help. We call on the government, elected officials, and NGOs to support us and help complete this project.”
WikkiTimes gathered that for over 40 years, residents of Beta and surrounding communities have been facing hardships due to lack of accessible roads.
