Living in this city, I am able to have access to these vital social amenities that make life worth living. The ability to access quality health care, water supply, shelter, and food has been the reason I have settled in this city. A city that lacks the basic things needed for life is like a death trap, and no one will be willing to settle in such places.
Who should be in charge of providing social amenities in cities and towns?
We definitely know that major contracts for social amenities do cost a huge amount that only the government can sponsor unless some wealthy or mindful citizens of such towns decide to pull resources together to build their cities or towns, which has not often been the case or that they are infrequent.
Although I have seen some rich settlers single-handedly carry out expensive projects in different parts of the communities in this city, Such individuals have donated amenities to the towns in this city, for which people are grateful.
Water supply issues are handled by both the government and wealthy individuals.
The lingering shortage of water supply challenges we have often complained bitterly about have been brought to a bearable limit.
Individuals who have the capacity to build boreholes often place an outside tap for settlers to get water. Most of the central mosques and churches pump borehole water that people fetch for free. The water is clean and drinkable compare to the well water individuals have constantly dug around their homes as the cheapest means to get water.
The only challenge to getting quality water now lies with when there is no power supply to pump water with the electric pumping machine. Generally fuel (PMS and Diesel) are expensive in the country and families will not want appreciate using fuel to pump free water for their community. So long as there is a power supply, we are guaranteed some clean water.
This might not be up to the standard we see in developed countries, where they all have a network of pipes and an in-house water supply. The taps and water supply are located within each home, but it is fair enough that people in this town can get some good water.
Our roads and others are under construction.
Like I said earlier, the city is under construction in so many locations, which is a good thing compared to when I first relocated here with my family. Back then, you could stay stuck in traffic for hours. The roads were jammed with people and cars, so we had thieves taking advantage of the situation to pick people's pockets. I was a victim of pickpocketing when my mobile phone and wallet were stolen from my bag in an attempt to rush into a moving taxi.
There is a notable expansion of all the narrow roads and the construction of bridges where needed for traffic control. This particular tank bridge has just recently been completed, and it is just a stone's throw from my house.
With wider roads, both human and car traffic are no longer experienced here. I must comment on the present governor in power in this city; I can hardly count the number of such contracts he has given out in different locations working on road expansion and the construction of bridges.
Safety and Security
Ilorin is one city I feel safe in compared to other places I have been to in this country. Prior to the election of the new governor in power, youths practiced open cultism, attacking and killing each other in broad daylight. Our campuses are a dreadful place, and nobody feels safe. Accidental gunshots and cult clashes can start anytime. But now everything is kept at bay, with sanction and prosecution for anyone caught in such acts.
Very strict laws are now in place on our campuses, including expulsion. There is a dress code for students, as indecent dressing is equally not condoned. The university is meant to breed only responsible, well-mannered youth. It is quite commendable that the system is working here.
Housing/Shelter
Regarding shelter here, I can say that the government didn't show much interest in housing and estate. This has been a job handled by indigenes and migrants settling here. Most of the estates I am familiar with are privately owned and managed. No wonder the cost of rent varies from person to person, as does the quality of houses. It is certain that if government-owned properties are available, renters might get a discount from the government, and the cost of renting a livable home will be almost the same for everyone.
Health Care and Hospital.
The government-owned state hospital, the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), is in existence with some level of quality health care services. I have been admitted and treated in the hospital a couple of times. It also has a record history of separating co-joined twins here, indicating that some major surgeries have been carried out here.
Aside from this, we have numerous privately owned hospitals where people can go for treatment.
Another system I feel quite satisfied with is the health insurance scheme. You can pay as little as 10% of your hospital bills to access primary health care when registered on the NHIS list. I have equally made use of this privilege countless times. A breakthrough moment was when my dad did surgery using the card that saved us from an emergency bill that could have caused major damage to his health.
Hotels, luxury, shopping malls, and tourist attractions.
There are a lot of beautiful places to see in this town, including luxury or first-class hotels capable of hosting any VIP or celebrity. There are a bunch of lovely places people visit for recreational activities: children's playgrounds, games, body fitness centers, and lots more.
Enjoying a poll party here
Clubs and hangout joints below
I think I need to go out more so that I can share some lovely places in this city with you all.
Shopping malls with lovely items to call your attentions are also available here
Some notable challenges confronting the city.
Well I can't say if there is a perfect city in the world with no challenges hence one of the things I have noticed here are these
Poor facilities for their drainage systems.
This is a general disaster and challenges of this place, there is no proper drainage systems hence when there is rainfall all our roads gets flooded. Culvert and water channels are absent in several locations including my street here. Most of the times when it rains the city is flooded with water entering people's homes. Several lives and properties have been destroyed consistently and every year during the high peaks of the raining season.
I was practically floating in flood water that entered my home last year and thesame has been the situation for years.
Power Supply
Electric power supply is a general challenge in the country; hence, using this town alone to judge might seem unfair. Although I can say that supply has doubled compared to when I first settled here, On some days, we can get a 12-hour supply, but other times it gets really bad. An improvement in the country's supply will surely reflect here, as electricity is a major tool in measuring the standard of a developed country.
My city in serious darkness as traders put on their generators to catch up with late night sales.
The city here may not have a world-class standard, but I can guarantee that it is livable. You can get quality food, clothing, shelter, and healthcare here, coupled with fun-filled moments when you can find your way around towns, this is how my city was built.
This is my submission to the #mayinleo and I'm using this medium to invite other hivers to come and participate in this prompt with a lot of interesting topics via this link
All images are mine
Thank you for stopping.
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It may not be the most beautiful town but we enjoy some peace and warmth here. Thanks for stopping by
There's a big problem with drainage system and electricity, whenever rain falls the road is always in a big mess.
I was in Ilorin last month and I can count the number of times we had light.
God help our city.
Exactly, at least we are all seeing the reality of thing.