Ben Ezechime, Enugu
The Chairman of Oji River Local Government Area of Enugu State, Mr Greg Anyaegbudike, says his major achievement in office is the development of the draft Oji River Urban Master Plan.
Anyaegbudike revealed this in Oji River town while briefing newsmen on his achievements in his first 100 days in office as the Executive Chairman of the local government area.
He said that the benefits of Oji River Urban Master Plan ranges from economic, environmental, social, infrastructure, ICT and governance, for the next 30 years.
The chairman said that that with the 30 years rolling Master Plan, “Oji River council area is setting itself up for sustainable growth, improved quality of life and a greater future for its residents.”
On security, he noted that before he assumed office, security was a major challenge; adding that the council had made investments in the procurement of security gadgets and equipment including hi-tech facilities to engage security.
According to him, “there is now a digital surveillance system to support existing efforts for security in the council area and we have successful identified dark spots and subsequent crackdown on criminal all elements.
“We have provided access to farmlands and bushes by opening/bulldozing new motorable roads in Uzo-Agu to Elugwu Akwu and from Ezi German deep into Agu Akwu, up to 3 kilometers. We are moving deeper.
“Proactively clearing of road-path bushes that previously served as ambush points; thereby reducing the risk of attacks and insecurity.
“We have strengthened Neighbourhood Watch through training and support for timely and accurate incident reporting from all neighbourhoods in Oji River as well as repaired and maintained Neighbourhood and Forest Guards vehicles for effective law enforcement.
“We have trained Local Government Chief Security Officer and his deputies on advanced digital crime combat strategies, equipment usage, enhanced and proactive crime prevention and response. We have invested massively in security, because for us it is a necessity.”
On infrastructure, Anyaegbudike said that the council had partnered with agencies like Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) and Rural Electrification Agency (REA) for provision of infrastructure.
According to him, the reconstruction of the drainage and replacement of the culvert at the junction leading to Achi from Enugu-Awka Old Road was done in partnership with FERMA and was completed.
He said, “FERMA largely replaced the culvert at the beginning of Achi Road, while the council authority contributed to other ancillary activities like providing alternative access, control of traffic and facilitation of other aspects of the work.
“The council is grading and rehabilitating a failed portion of Oji-Achi-Awgu Road in partnership with House of Representatives Member for Aninri, Awgu and Oji River Federal Constituency. Work is ongoing.
“The repair of failed portions of Achi-Awgu Road and Nkwo Inyi Road with asphalts including removal of unfriendly bumps along the roads up to Awlaw.
“We are also making replacements with friendly bumps and filling of potholes with asphalt along Oji-Achi-Awgu Road and Amaetiti-Inyi Road etc. The council bulldozer and grader have been repaired; while its roller rehabilitation is also in line.”
The chairman said that the council had made impact on social investment in welfare and well-being of its residents as well as reduced bureaucratic bottlenecks through extensive use of technology in its offices.
“We are just starting. We are mindful of the social contract we have with the good people of Oji River council area and our resolve to provide outstanding services to our people remains unwavering,” he added.
