By Sodiq Omolaoye, Abuja
Residents of Mbieri Community of Mbaitoli Council of Imo State have lamented the absence of infrastructure in their community, saying government abandoned the community despite its proximity to Owerri, the state capital.
They appealed to federal and state governments to come to their aid by completing abandoned projects in the area.
Speaking on behalf of the people at a press briefing, yesterday, in Abuja, President, Mbieri Summit, Sam Obaji, said despite its proximity to the Owerri, community is replete with dilapidated infrastructure.
Obaji said the ugly situation, which has led to unemployment, loss of lives and insecurity, preceded the administrations of Sam Mbakwe, Achike Udenwa, Ikedi Ohakim, and Rochas Okorocha.
While presenting videos of erosion ravaged areas and building blocks covered by grasses, he said: “Today’s press briefing is in line with Mbieri development spirit, which is anchored on uniting our people to see how their lives can be enhanced in terms of social and economic facilities that help job creation, youth empowerment, easy movement of man and materials, which is facilitated by good roads, health care, education, electricity etc.
“In doing these, we are guided by a number of beliefs, thus, “we believe in section 24 (d) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which makes it the duty of every citizen to make positive and useful contribution to advancement, progress and well being of the community where he resides.
“We believe that community development is a process where community members are supported by agencies to identify and take collective action on issues, which are important to them.
“We also believe that for security to be achieved in communities, welfare, including social amenities and infrastructure should be provided.
“A look at the video of serious erosion menace, roads taken over by weeds and grasses, dilapidated educational and health facilities presents a picture of a town that is in need of emergency action to save the people from more hardship and deaths.”
“One of the reasons for this briefing is to make an appeal to the federal and state governments and Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), as well as Mbieri indigenes in the Diaspora to come to our aid in, at least, road infrastructure.
“As you can see from the video, erosion has destroyed communication and movement between villages in Mbieri.
“Some of the villages have been cut off from others, making it difficult for them to move their agricultural products to markets as was the case in the past.”
Source: The Guardian
