ABIA DEPUTY GOVERNOR ASSURES AMANGWU OF ROAD, SMART SCHOOL, POWER PROJECTS, URGES PROTECTION OF PUBLIC ASSETS
Abia State Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, has assured the people of Amangwu Community in Ohafia Local Government Area of the state government’s commitment to delivering critical infrastructure projects, including road construction, electricity restoration and the expansion of the Smart School initiative.
Emetu gave the assurance on Tuesday while receiving a delegation of the Amangwu Community Development Union (ACDU) during a courtesy visit to his office at the Government House, Umuahia.
The Deputy Governor disclosed that rehabilitation work has already commenced on sections of the Amangwu road following consultations with the Director-General of the Greater Ohafia Development Authority, Engr. Elder Obinna Odum.
He explained that the ongoing intervention is a temporary measure pending the commencement of the major road project linking Amangwu through the Asaga/Ndi Amuke axis.
According to him, the government also plans to extend construction works to the Amangwu–Amoma–Ndi Owo Junction road.
“We are using palliative measures for now while preparing for the major road project. We are committed to ensuring that the people of Amangwu enjoy durable road infrastructure,” Emetu said.
On the community’s request for a Smart School, the Deputy Governor stated that the state government’s long-term plan is to establish Smart Schools in every ward before extending the initiative to all communities across Abia State.
He, however, stressed that beneficiary communities must demonstrate their commitment to safeguarding public facilities against vandalism.
“It is not enough to ask for a Smart School. The community must be prepared to protect the facility because vandalism of public infrastructure remains a major concern,” he said.
Emetu added that he would engage the facilitator of the Smart School programme to explore the possibility of extending the project to Amangwu while seeking additional information on the existing primary school in the community.
The Deputy Governor revealed that the state government had completed technical assessments across Ohafia communities, covering transformers, damaged distribution lines, conductors and fallen electricity poles.
He noted that plans for power restoration are progressing steadily, adding that electricity supply to Ohafia has now been rerouted through the nearby Ihechiowa axis instead of the previous long-distance connection from Itu, a development he described as a major improvement in the reliability of electricity supply.
He also urged the community’s Power Restoration Committee to work closely with government officials by conducting feasibility assessments that would facilitate the smooth distribution of electricity infrastructure.
The Deputy Governor commended Governor Alex Otti for prioritising infrastructure development across Ohafia and other parts of the state, saying the administration remains committed to projects that improve the quality of life of residents.
Emetu said effective coordination among elected representatives at different levels of government would enhance project planning and eliminate duplication of development efforts.
He also called for continued support for the Labour Party, attributing the administration’s achievements to the confidence reposed in it by the electorate.
Earlier, the President-General of the Amangwu Community Development Union, Chief Nkuma Agwu Kalu, represented by former President-General, Chief Kalu Iroha, commended the Deputy Governor and Governor Alex Otti’s administration for what he described as visible developmental strides across Ohafia.
He cited ongoing road construction, improvements in healthcare delivery, investments in electricity infrastructure and the Smart School initiative as evidence of the government’s commitment to grassroots development.
The community appealed for the speedy completion of key road projects, expansion of Smart School facilities, improved electricity distribution and sustained investment in primary healthcare, while assuring the state government of its continued support.
In a vote of thanks, the National Legal Adviser of the ACDU, Barrister Osim Elirs, expressed appreciation to the Deputy Governor for receiving the delegation and pledged the union’s continued cooperation with the administration.
He reaffirmed the community’s commitment to supporting the government’s development agenda and urged residents to remain united in advancing the progress of Amangwu and Ohafia.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Head of Accounts in the Office of the Deputy Governor, Pastor Udo Esowe Nmecha, an indigene of Amangwu, welcomed the delegation and encouraged the community to remain united in its pursuit of sustainable development.
