Kaduna Residents Lament Erosion Threat to Community Health Centre
By Israel Bulus | 18 May 2025
Residents of Bayan Dutse, a riverine community in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, have raised serious concerns over the deteriorating condition of their primary health centre, currently undergoing renovation. The facility is reportedly at risk of collapse due to fast-spreading gully erosion.
The health centre, which serves over 4,000 residents, has been significantly affected by continuous rainfall and the lack of effective drainage infrastructure. Over 10 meters of land have been lost in the past six months, according to locals.
When PUNCH Online visited the site on Sunday, visible cracks were found on the external walls, sections of the perimeter fence had caved in, and the rear entrance had been completely eroded after recent heavy rains.
Residents expressed frustration and fear that the health centre—essential for maternal and child healthcare—may become unusable if urgent erosion control measures are not taken.
Royal Daniel, a local resident, said, “We are worried that this health centre, which is our only access to basic healthcare, especially for pregnant women and children, may soon collapse into the river.”
Another resident, Sarah Thomas, blamed poor construction practices and lack of terrain assessment for the worsening situation. “There was no proper erosion control included in the project. We are pleading with the Kaduna State Government to urgently step in and save this centre,” she said.
A building engineer, Aaron Daniel, described the situation as a looming disaster. “This is a critical warning sign. The government must prioritise erosion control for facilities like this, especially those located near riverbanks,” he warned.
Community leaders also criticised the siting of the facility so close to the river, calling it a flawed decision that ignored obvious environmental risks. They further questioned the quality of work carried out by the contractor handling the renovation.
Despite attempts, the Chikun Local Government Council has yet to release an official statement regarding the situation.
Residents are now calling on both the Kaduna State Government and federal agencies such as the Ecological Fund Office to act swiftly before another vital public health facility is lost to environmental degradation.
