Gone were the days when Lugbe was a clean sight to behold, especially when the private refuse collector, Maishara Investments Limited, was in charge of refuse collection and disposal for a reasonable fee. But now, the case is different because Lugbe has turned into an eyesore.

Without bothering to talk about the over-flogged issues of lack of water, bad roads, lack of electricity, the concern here is that the present administration has totally neglected the well- being of the people of this district.

A walk around the Federal Housing Estate, Phase 2, Tudunwada, Sector F, and Babangida Market, among others, one would almost choke from the horrible stench coming out from the dumped refuse on the main roads. The unhealthy environment is a source of concern in view of the inherent health hazards on the people, yet nobody cares whether people live or die.

Though the body saddled with the responsibility of keeping Abuja clean, the Abuja Environment Protection Board (AEPB), recently stated that they generate N72 million on a monthly basis, out of which N50 million is paid to contractors engaged in waste disposal, AEPB should note that Lugbe is not included in this arrangement.

Furthermore, the spate of demolition of neighbouring communities by the previous administration has resulted in the overwhelming influx of the people into Lugbe with no commensurate facilities or infrastructure to cater for them, thereby overstretching the near absent facilities.

One is aware that there is a committee in the FCT in charge of the accelerated development of satellite towns. The Minister of State for FCTA, Senator Akpanoduedohe, has also been going round some of these satellite towns with particular attention given to Bwari, Kwali, Kuje and Kubwa, among others. But those living in Lugbe are saying they have not seen or felt the impact of this administration to make its mark in this area that is strategically located along the airport road. It is pertinent for the provision of amenities, such as motorable feeder roads, water, recreational centres and above all the re-introduction of private refuse collectors so that people will desist from dumping refuse all over the place, else Abuja Satellite towns will go the way of other slum cities in the country.