The Obingwu Non-Indigenes Association (ONIA), in Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State has pleaded with Governor Okezie Ikpeazu to assist them in fastening the development of the community through the restoration of electricity in the suburb, near Aba.
Obingwu, one of the fastest developing suburbs along the Uratta-Umuozuo road that links both Osisioma-Ngwa and Ukwa West LGA is currently suffering from lack of electricity which many residents have described as a developmental problem.
Aba City Blog gathered that the area is one of the areas currently attracting the attention of the estate developers and businessmen as Aba, the commercial hub of the state continues to expand to nearby Local Government Areas.
The non-indigenes said most of them have taken the community as their home, after investing heavily in landed properties, but their major problem is the lack of electricity the community has experienced for some time now, which is discouraging others from coming to Invest in the area.
Anthony Anekwe, President General of ONIA said that they have been trying their best together with the indigenes to ensure that the problem of electricity is solved in the suburb.
Anekwe, however, added that after estimating the electricity project, they discovered that it is not something they can handle as individuals without the government’s assistance.
He said the amount of money involved in the project pushed them to seek government assistance through the member representing Ukwa West State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Godwin Adiele.
According to him, “The light that came into Obingwu came through far away Ngwaihiekwe axis. Our problem is that whenever the light is affected from that side may be electricity poll had an issue, it’ll place all of us into total blackout. This problem has persisted and it’s affecting our investments.
“We’re planning to reconnect the community through the High Tension at Umugo, which is very closer to us here rather than Ngwaihiekwe which has been the source of our problems. We need assistance from the government. We beg them to help us and this place better for all.”
Chukwuemeka Sunday, another non-indigene and investor in Obingwu said that lack of electricity has been the major problem limiting the development of the suburb and increasing the investment in the area.
“I’m tired of buying fuel. My electronics at home are wasting. We are already planning on how to correct the situation but we need the support of the government so that we all can join together and develop this place.
“If we all join to develop here, it’ll benefit both indigenes, settlers and government. We need serious help. We’ve been begging but no government has listened to our cry. Please, let them come to our aide,” he said.
The member representing Ukwa West State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Godwin Adiele said that the project that ONIA is asking for has been approved by the state government.
Adiele represented by Chief Ikechi Eyinna, an indigene of the suburb during a meeting at ONIA Assembly Hall, said that the Governor has already approved N30 million for the electricity project and will ensure that whatever any group both indigenes and non-indigenes spent will be refunded.
“Obingwu is peaceful as we cooperate seriously with settlers who are trying seriously to develop this place. We thank them for their support. The money has been approved and we’re only waiting for the release and all will be well.
“I know they’re trying to support us to ensure the project works and we the indigenous people are working hard as well. I don’t think there’s anything that’ll stop this project,” he said.
