The Ndiebor Ezza-Iyimagu, Ndieze and Mgbalaku autonomous communities in Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi have decried the dearth of basic amenities in their areas and appeal for immediate intervention.
Members of the communities who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent who visited the communities, said that the situation has brought untold hardship to them, adding that they had lived in such condition for long.
Mr Ogbonna Uguru, an indigene of Mkpumekwoku in Ezza-Inyimagu, said that the community of 23 villages lacks potable water, access roads and electricity.
“The entire village has one community secondary school, while the only facility that can be taken as a hospital in the area was not functioning optimally.
“It is saddening that in spite of our active participation in politics with accompanying elections, all those we voted into power at all levels of government have neglected us,” he said.
Uguru said that the problem of roads which had made life unbearable for the people,predominantly farmers has caused several fatalities.
“The roads linking the villages are so impassable that the people find it difficult to access Ezza-Inyimagu General Hospital in Mkpumekwoku village.
“This has led to the death of several people who toiled to seek medical attention from the facility at Mkpumeokwu,” he said.
He said that the situation has caused serious health challenges to children, expectant and nursing mothers as the last time an immunisation was held in the area was in 1992.
“The situation led to the abandonment of a dry season rice production scheme at Ndibulegu Ominyi village funded by International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
“Public schools in the area were built with mud, while pupils and students sit on wood or bare floor to study, “ he said.
A farmer and octogenarian, Mr Nwaoga Omeru, said that the situation made it difficult for farmers to convey their goods to markets.
Omeru, an indigene of Ndiacha village lamented that roads linking the communities with other parts of the territory were in deplorable state too.
“We are calling on the authorities to come to our aid with developmental projects to ease difficulties in the areas as we have been cut off from access to electricity for long .”
Another resident and a farmer in Ndiachi village, Mrs Theresa Nwiboko, said that residents of the communities depend on water from rain and pond for survival.
“We plead that the relevant authorities assist the communities with amenities and construct good roads to enable us access adequate health care and convey our produce to markets.
A community member who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said that St.Paul Hospital which is the only private hospital in the area lacked adequate equipment and personnel.
“I urge stakeholders of the areas to show more commitment in the quest for the provision of amenities such as electricity because energy is critical for economic growth and sustainable development.
“Lack of functional health facilities in the area has led to increasing infant and maternal mortality.”
Chief Samuel Okoronkwo, Ebonyi Commissioner for Chieftaincy Matters and Rural Development when approached by NAN, declined comments, stating that he would only respond after the council chairman’s comments on the development.
Mr Paul Nwogha, the Council Chairman while reacting to the complaints from the communities, said that roads are not constructed during rainy season.
“My administration had procured two boreholes for Ndiachi community, constructed ‘lock-up’ shops in the market while transformers would soon be provided to the communities.
“Roads at the communities were graded, but were destroyed by the activities of some mining companies,” he claimed.
