At Leicester Road Community a Call for Urgent Development After Two Decades of Neglect
By Joseph S. Conteh (Jos Man)
For over twenty years, the Leicester Road Community, located on the outskirts of the city, has endured a severe lack of essential infrastructure and public services. This disadvantaged area has been overlooked for two decades, leaving its residents without basic necessities that many take for granted.
Critical Infrastructure Deficits
The community faces several critical deficits that have left residents struggling:
Inadequate Road Network: The lack of a proper road network severely hampers mobility. The rough and unpaved roads not only make transportation difficult but also impede access to markets, schools, and medical facilities. Residents often have to navigate challenging terrain, exacerbating their daily struggles and contributing to the community’s isolation.
Absence of Health Facilities: The community is without a functioning health center, forcing residents to travel long distances to access medical care. This lack of nearby healthcare services means that many individuals, especially the elderly and children, are left without timely medical attention. The absence of emergency medical services further endangers lives.
No Police Post: With no police post in the area, security concerns are a significant issue. The lack of a local law enforcement presence means that residents are left vulnerable to crime and have limited access to immediate assistance in emergencies. This absence has led to increased fear and insecurity among the community members.
No Community Center: The community is also missing a communal space where residents can gather for social, educational, and recreational activities. A community center would provide a venue for meetings, events, and programs that foster social cohesion and support local initiatives. Its absence limits opportunities for community engagement and development.
Severe Water Shortages
One of the most pressing issues is the chronic lack of access to clean drinking water. Residents, particularly women and girls, must travel long distances to fetch water, often risking their safety. This arduous task is not only physically draining but also leaves them vulnerable to harassment and accidents. The water scarcity has also contributed to a rise in health issues, including waterborne diseases.
The long journeys to collect water have exacerbated other social problems, including a troubling increase in teenage pregnancies. The time and energy spent fetching water could otherwise be directed towards education and productive activities, but instead, it perpetuates a cycle of poverty and disadvantage.
Escalating Transportation Costs
The increase in the price of model bikes, a common mode of transport in the area, has placed an additional financial burden on residents. As transportation costs rise, so does the difficulty of accessing basic services and goods. The higher costs impact the community’s ability to engage in economic activities and access educational opportunities, further entrenching their economic hardship.
A Media Presence and Advocacy
Despite these considerable challenges, the Leicester Road Community benefits from a significant presence of journalists in both print and electronic media. This strong media representation provides the community with a powerful platform to voice their concerns and advocate for necessary changes. The journalists play a crucial role in bringing attention to the community’s plight and pushing for government action.
A Call to Action
The Leicester Road residents are calling on the government to address their long-standing issues and fulfill promises of development. The community’s situation is a stark reminder of the urgent need for targeted intervention and investment in neglected areas. As they await action, the residents remain hopeful that their calls for help will be answered, leading to the long-awaited improvements that will transform their daily lives and provide the basic services and infrastructure they desperately need.
In summary, the Leicester Road Community’s experience highlights a broader issue of neglected areas suffering from a lack of essential services. Addressing these needs is crucial for improving the quality of life for residents and ensuring equitable development across all regions.
