Anambra Moves To End Oil Communities’ Neglect As Contractors Mobilise For Projects
By Ebele Ezeh | IchieTimes
After years of infrastructural neglect, oil producing communities in Anambra State are set to receive renewed development attention, with contractors already mobilised for projects in Umuezelabia, Ogwuaniocha, and the state government promising improvements in roads, hospitals, schools, electricity and water supply.
The Commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Professor Charles Ofoegbu, announced the development during a meeting with the Ogbaru Riverine Industrial Park (ORIP) Technical Team at the Jerome Udoji State Secretariat, Awka. He described the initiative as part of efforts to extend development to oil producing communities and improve the living conditions of residents.
Ofoegbu disclosed that approval had been granted to source sand from local rivers for road construction, while a dredger had been moved to the area. He expressed hope that substantial progress would be made before the end of December and called on community leaders and other stakeholders to work with the government to identify practical needs and sustainable solutions.
The commissioner pledged his ministry’s support for development initiatives in the oil producing areas, emphasising that lasting progress would require cooperation among the government, host communities, petroleum companies and development partners.
The ORIP Technical Team Leader, Mr. Emma Ifeacho, said the proposed industrial park would tackle unemployment, electricity shortages and insecurity by attracting investment and creating economic opportunities. He explained that the project had evolved from plans for gas powered electricity and improved road access into a wider industrial development strategy.
According to Ifeacho, major investors and industries would be needed to make the gas to power project financially viable, while putting the forest to productive use through legitimate businesses and employment could help address conditions that encourage insecurity.
