By Patrick Idowu
Residents of Karu have appealed to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to relocate the Karu Abattoir from the centre of the community, citing environmental and public health concerns.
The call was made on Sunday in Abuja by Mr Sumner Sabo of the Karu Gbagyi Development Association during the group’s end-of-year event themed “Karu and Nation Building: Promoting Excellence in Unity.”
Sabo said the siting of the abattoir has led to pollution, health risks and other environmental challenges, noting that waste from slaughtered animals flows into streams serving several communities.
He also alleged that the area has become a hub for drug sales, negatively affecting local youths.
“In the interest of our health, environment and the future of our youths, we are appealing to the FCT minister to relocate the abattoir to an isolated area,” he said.
Sabo suggested that the current site could be converted into a secondary school or sports centre and also urged the FCT Administration to take over and fast-track the completion of the Karu General Hospital, stalled since 2006 under a public-private partnership arrangement.
Also speaking, Senator Philip Aduda commended the association and called for unity among indigenes to drive development in the community.
