By Faridat Salifu
Climate equity conversations are increasingly drawing attention to how environmental and infrastructure challenges affect people differently, with persons with disabilities often facing heightened risks in everyday spaces.
For many, accessibility is not only about ramps and buildings, but also about how roads, drainage systems and public pathways are designed and maintained.
When these elements are overlooked, they can quietly exclude or endanger those who rely on familiarity, stability and safe passage to move independently.
In Dawaki, a fast-growing suburban community in Abuja, this reality plays out along the route connecting Dawaki Village Market to Suleiman Junction.
Two open drainage channels lie along this stretch, one near the cluster of shops around CMex and another closer to Suleiman Junction near the popular Walbaz Bakery and Super.
While the path serves as a shorter and more direct route for many residents, it also presents subtle but significant challenges.
For persons with visual impairments or mobility limitations, such spaces require extra awareness, especially when navigating alone or for the first time.
Even for those familiar with the area, the risks remain.
“I’ve always used that road, so I know it well,” said a visually impaired resident who uses a walking stick.
“But one day, my stick slipped into the drainage and I lost my balance,” he added, noting that the experience left him more cautious about routes he once considered routine.
Another resident shared a similar experience, explaining that familiarity does not always prevent accidents.
“I was just walking like I normally do and I totally forgot the drainage was there,” he said.
“The next thing, I almost stepped into it,” he added, highlighting how easily such hazards can be overlooked.
Residents say that while alternative routes exist, they are often longer, making the shorter path more appealing despite the risks.
At night, the challenge becomes more pronounced as low visibility makes it harder to detect the edges of the drains.
Even able-bodied pedestrians slow down and navigate carefully, underscoring how small infrastructure gaps can affect a wide range of people.
Experts note that during periods of heavy rainfall, open drains can become filled or less visible, increasing the likelihood of accidents and reinforcing concerns around climate resilience and inclusive planning.
In communities like Dawaki, where development is rapidly expanding, such issues highlight the need to integrate accessibility into everyday infrastructure.
Simple interventions, including covering drainage systems or adding clear visual and tactile indicators, could significantly improve safety and ease of movement.
For persons with disabilities, these measures go beyond convenience, supporting independence, confidence and full participation in daily life.
As climate equity continues to shape policy discussions, the experiences of residents in places like Dawaki serve as a reminder that inclusive design is essential to building communities that work for everyone.