The elderly women of Kuvlu, a village in the Bui Division of the North West Region, have taken it upon themselves to spearhead road construction efforts, despite the ongoing Anglophone Crisis.
On Monday, April 22, a group of women, including grandmothers, were observed actively engaged in road digging activities along the stretch connecting Kumbo and Lasin, in Noni Subdivision.
The dire need for road rehabilitation prompted these women, who should have been enjoying their retirement years, to take matters into their own hands.
The ongoing conflict has claimed the lives of many energetic young men and women, leaving the task of development to the elderly population.
With many young men fleeing to seek refuge in safer towns and cities, these grandmothers and elderly women have remained behind, unable to escape like their younger counterparts.
Kuvlu, once a vibrant village, has been severely impacted by the Anglophone Crisis since its escalation in 2017.
The main road, which facilitated the transportation of farm produce and timber, deteriorated into a mere footpath, accessible only to motorcycles.
The lack of proper roads has crippled the local economy, with farm produce selling at reduced prices due to transportation challenges.
Additionally, the once-thriving timber industry, which provided employment to young people, came to a halt due to road blockages caused by the conflict.
As relative calm has returned to the region, the villagers have taken it upon themselves to rehabilitate the roads using whatever tools are available.
Elderly women can be seen digging the roads with farm hoes, machetes, and diggers, while accompanying men, also of advanced age, assist with transportation of gravel on bikes.
The rehabilitation efforts aim to restore access to markets and revive economic activities in the village.
The completion of the road would enable farmers to sell their produce at fair prices and provide for their families once again.
The villagers express hope for a return to peace so that Kuvlu can regain its former vibrancy.
Schools and major economic activities have been disrupted, leaving many uncertain about their future.
Since the start of the rehabilitation efforts, approximately two kilometers of road from Wai to Mission have been covered.
Kuvlu, situated in Nkum Subdivision and neighboring Nseh, Noni, and Donga Matung Divisions, comprises about 10 villages.
The determination and hard work of these grandmothers serve as a testament to the resilience of the people of Kuvlu, who are determined to rebuild their community despite the challenges posed by the ongoing crisis.
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