Discontent in Indigenous Communities: Residents Voice Frustration Over Broken Promises, Poor Infrastructure
By Travis Chase | HGP Nightly News
Presidential hopeful Azruddin Mohamed was recently welcomed to the Indigenous community of Kamata, Region One, where residents used the occasion to express growing frustration over what they describe as disrespect, neglect, and unfulfilled promises by the current administration.
During Mohamed’s outreach, one vocal resident recounted a troubling experience during a government visit, claiming she was disrespected by officials when attempting to raise concerns about the village’s deteriorating road conditions. The woman said she believes Public Works Minister Juan Edghill’s recent visit was more about control than consultation.
“He didn’t come to hear our concern. He was rather rude, and nobody else got a chance to ask questions,” she said, describing the meeting as dismissive.
The resident also shared the impact of the poor infrastructure on daily life, revealing that her daughter, a nurse stationed at the Kumaka District Hospital, often gets stuck in the mud while commuting for night shifts due to the deplorable state of the road.
“Many nights we get stuck. They only started fixing the road because someone else brought it up, not because they genuinely care,” she said.
Meanwhile, in Aishalton, Region Nine, another resident expressed regret for supporting the incumbent People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) during the last general and regional elections. She said President Irfaan Ali had personally promised development in their village, but those pledges remain unfulfilled.
“They’ve been promising us for years, but they never fulfill their promises. They did some drainage work in front there, but all the water now runs into our field. When it rains, we can’t even play,” the woman lamented.
She further declared her community’s support for Azruddin Mohamed in the upcoming September 1 polls, stating that the youth in her village are hungry for real development.
“We want to see change. We want to see development. You have our support,” she told Mohamed directly.
As election season heats up, indigenous communities appear to be increasingly vocal about issues of accountability, infrastructure, and respect — raising the stakes for politicians seeking support in the hinterland.
