Basic amenities: Communities allege government’s neglect

The people of Olaokwo, Olaelem, Enyiogugu, Mbutu and others, in Aboh Mbaise, Local Government Area of Imo State, have accused the Federal and state government of neglect and marginalisation in the area of basic facilities, appealing that urgent attention is needed in the area.

The residents poured out their grievances, during the visit of the Programme Director, Development Dynamics, Jude Ohanele, when he led officials of the organisation and journalists to present a charter of development- a document of articulated needs of the people, under a programme, “Strengthening Citizens Engagement In Electoral Process (SCEEP)”, the brainchild of Actionaid.

At the event held at Olakwo Development Union Civic Hall, Enyiogugu, Aboh Mbaise local council, the community leaders, Desmond Aririguzo, Mrs. Florence Ibegbulam, Nnamdi Nwokoma and John Obasi regretted that their representatives at various legislative houses, are yet to draw the attention of the government to provide them with amenities and facilities, such as technical schools, water, roads, acquisition centres, among others, allegedly allowing them to live in abject poverty.

Ibegbulam, a retired school principal, said the people in government in the area should be aware that residents of the area are dying. “Many are dying of hunger here. Nobody is happy in this part of the country. We are praying that those who are ruling us should allow people to eat.”

Speaking Ohanele, who used the forum to introduce Vitamin A cassava stem and processed garri, maize and its stem, said he was ashamed of the way government neglected people in the communities to suffer deprivation.

He questioned the reason behind the refusal to conduct council elections in the state since 2012/2013.

He reminded the communities’ representatives to ensure review of the charter, every four years and to always demand from the elected leaders to undertake them.