Garu: Dusty roads fuel 40% spike in pneumonia cases – Thomas Anaba

Member of Parliament for the Garu constituency, Dr. Thomas Anaba, has sounded the alarm over a sharp rise in pneumonia cases in the township, linking the increase to dusty and incomplete road projects in the area.

Speaking on Channel One News on Sunday, March 22, Dr. Anaba noted that pneumonia cases along the township road have risen by 40%, posing a serious health hazard to residents living by the roadside.

“The dusty nature of the road is creating significant health risks for the people of Garu, particularly those whose homes are along the roadside. The contractor claims that since he started work on the road, he hasn’t been paid any money; as a result, he did not have the funds to continue the project,” he said.

Dr. Anaba confirmed that following intervention, the Ministry has instructed that the contractor be paid and return to work, which has now resumed. “I have spoken to the minister, and luckily for us, the contractor has been informed that payment will be made. He has now gone back to work,” he said.

However, residents of the Garu District have urged the government to complete long-delayed road projects, emphasising that the dusty conditions are not only a health hazard but are also disrupting daily life and economic activities.