By Raymond Ozoji, Awka
Transparency and accountability remain cardinal principles of public administration and good governance, particularly at the grassroots level, where the impact of government policies and projects is often felt most directly by the people.
In Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, the re-elected Chairman and Mayor, Hon. Engr. Anayochukwu Charles Orjiako, has showcased a range of projects and programmes executed during his first term, describing them as interventions targeted at addressing the immediate needs of the people.
A tour of some of the projects across the 20 political wards, conducted by this journalist alongside the Supervisory Councillor for Works, Hon. Jerry Obiokoye, revealed projects covering water supply, markets, transportation, administrative infrastructure and security-related interventions.
At the local government headquarters, Orjiako’s administration constructed a new one-storey office complex for the chairman and renovated the old office building. A multi-purpose hall has also been constructed to replace the former smaller facility, while a solar-powered borehole water system was installed within the secretariat complex.
The Ihiala High Court also benefited from the administration’s water intervention, with a solar-powered borehole facility installed within the court premises.
A senior official of the court, who declined to have her name published, confirmed that the facility had significantly eased the water challenges previously experienced by workers and visitors.
At Umuarugwu Uzoakwa, the administration executed a water project aimed at providing residents with access to potable water.
The Eke-Agbagba New Model Market in the Uli axis was another major beneficiary. More than 300 market stalls were constructed alongside what was described as an ultramodern digital abattoir for butchers operating in the market.
The Chairman of Eke-Agbagba New Model Market Butchers’ Association, Mr. Ambrose Eze-Ekunie, recalled the difficult conditions under which butchers previously operated.
According to him, the old abattoir was exposed and became particularly problematic whenever it rained.
He expressed appreciation for the new facility, describing it as a major improvement that provides a more suitable environment for slaughtering and processing meat.
At Nkwo-Ndiumeraku Market, Umuoma Uli, traders also commended the administration for providing a solar-powered borehole.
A trader, Mrs. Ngozi Nebo, said traders previously spent between N200 and N500 buying water from vendors.
She said the situation had changed since the installation of the borehole, adding that traders now have access to water without having to purchase it from vendors. Students of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli Campus, she added, also make use of the facility.
New Motor Park Takes Shape
Another major project inspected during the tour was the Ihiala Ultramodern Central Motor Park, currently under construction.
The massive project is expected to provide a more organised transportation environment while contributing to the physical transformation of the council headquarters
.
A commercial bus driver, Mr. Ejike Ezeonu, said the previous motor park lacked proper organisation, forcing transport operators to park along the road while loading and unloading passengers.
He said the ongoing modernisation had brought greater order to their activities and commended the local government administration and the state government for the intervention.
The Supervisory Councillor for Works, Hon. Jerry Obiokoye, said the old motor park had become a source of environmental challenges, with motorcycle mechanics and other artisans occupying portions of the facility.
He explained that Orjiako decided to intervene after observing the problems associated with the old park, stressing that the new project would give Ihiala a different outlook when completed.
Orjiako: First-Term Projects Only the Beginning
Speaking through the Supervisory Councillor for Works, Chairman Orjiako said the projects executed during his first term represented only the beginning of his development agenda for Ihiala.
He said his administration had bigger plans for the council area as he begins his second term in October.
On security, Orjiako disclosed that Lilu, which he described as one of the communities previously affected by insecurity, was gradually regaining normalcy following the establishment of new structures and the deployment of security personnel.
He said security personnel, including soldiers and other agencies, had been deployed to the area to strengthen the protection of lives and property.
He further listed Amamputu Uli, Amorka, Osumoghu, Okija, Azia Mbosi, Ubuluisiuzo and Isekke, among other communities, as beneficiaries of projects executed during his first tenure, assuring that more interventions would follow.
Orjiako lamented the damage caused by insecurity in Ihiala, saying criminal activities had forced many residents to abandon their homes and seek refuge elsewhere.
He, however, expressed optimism that improved security was encouraging residents who had left the area to return.
The chairman commended Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, for what he described as interventions aimed at improving security in Ihiala.
According to him, the presence of security agencies, including the DSS, Udogachi, Agunechemba and military personnel, has strengthened security in the area.
He maintained that the improved security situation was creating a more conducive environment for residents to return to their communities and resume normal economic and social activities.
With the completion of ongoing projects and the commencement of new interventions in his second term, Orjiako said his administration remained focused on transforming Ihiala through projects designed to address the practical needs of residents.
Tags: #Ihiala #Anambra #Orjiako #GrassrootsDevelopment
