The people of Umuoma Umuorji in Mgbidi autonomous community in Oru West LGA of Imo state has expressed great concern and grief over the under development of the area over the years.
The community leaders in a chat with News Echo decried the neglect of the community that is few kilometres away from Omuma, the community of the present Imo state government, Senator Hope Uzodimma.
Speaking with the village head, Chief Vincent Udemba said that the community has suffered lots of setback because of negligence on the part of government to alleviate their plight.
Udemba disclosed that they want to be recognised by the Imo state government not through violence but by dialogue and proper consultation. He disclosed that Umuoma is the only community that has not disintegrated but has remained one and still intact.
He also declared that most of the developmental projects carried out in the village were funded by them without the aid and support of the government.
Projects like grading of roads, building of markets, palace village hall, transformer and others were solely done by the members of the community.
He noted that the local government council headquarters, high court, civil defence, police station, general hospital amongst others are situated in the heart of the community yet the impact of government is not felt by the community.
According to Udemba, the community still needs electric power supply as the solar power they have is not sufficient, adding that the community also do not have access to potable water and therefore called on the government for speedy intervention. According to them, the only stream that they have in the community do not have a link road and also not fit for drinking. Chief Udemba observed that the community has invested enough of their resources but expect more from the government.
The chairman of the community, Mr. Innocent Chukwu also said that the government is tapping from their resources without compensation and urged the government to remember them and bring development to the area.
The secretary of the community, Mr. Nnanna Joel disclosed that most of the youths in their area were promised employment by the government but it has not been actualised also he disclosed that the community donated some lands for the building of the LGA but the remains of the lands has been sold to villagers for farming purposes instead of returning the lands to the original owners for farming.
The community amidst its achievement in a bid to support its families has mapped out hectares of land turned into an estate for every male in the community both married and unmarried to enable them build a house of their own.
They also disclosed that the community do not have access to primary health facility, this they said has become a concern as it pertains to their women who travel far to get medical attention while in labour.
They stated also that there is the need to power the available transformer so as to supply light to the community because the solar power they use is not sufficient.
They also stressed that the village head who overseas over 1000 villagers should be incorporated by the government in the affairs that concerns the community.
They maintained that the government should take up their core responsibility and not abandoning them in the hands of the community.
The village head in a message to the community urged them to continue to maintain peace and order as he stated that the area is not known for lawlessness hence the peace and stability that is being experienced amidst so many security issues experience in other parts of the state. He also called for the unity, love, progress and also encouraged the youths to embrace education and be enlightened so as to contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of the area.
