REPORTER: UCHE NDEKE
The Anambra State Government has commenced the development of oil-producing communities in the state with plans for improved social facilities and economic development.
The Commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Professor Charles Ofoegbu, disclosed this during a meeting with the Ogbaru Riverrine Industrial Park Technical Team in his office at the Jerome Udoji State Secretariat, Awka.
Professor Ofoegbu confirmed that contractors have been mobilised to the field for the commencement of projects in Umuezelabia community in Ogwuaniocha, one of the oil-producing areas. of the state.
He called on community leaders, development associations and other stakeholders to complement government efforts by identifying practical community-driven solutions, establishing stronger working relationships with the government and pursuing realistic development priorities.
The Commissioner described the initiative as an opportunity to address years of infrastructural neglect and bring oil-producing communities closer to the level of development enjoyed in other parts of the state.
He disclosed that approval had been granted for the sourcing of sand from local rivers to support road construction, adding that a dredger had already been moved to the area and expressed optimism that the projects would make significant progress before the end of December.
Professor Ofoegbu pledged the full support of his ministry and stressed that effective collaboration among the state government, host communities, petroleum companies and development stakeholders remained critical to achieving lasting results.
Earlier, the team leader of the Team, Mr Emma Ifeacho, said the proposed industrial park was aimed at tackling insecurity, electricity shortages and unemployment while attracting investment and driving economic growth.
He explained that the initiative evolved from earlier discussions on gas-to-power infrastructure and improved road access, but later expanded into a broader industrial development plan after stakeholders realised that electricity supply alone could not be sustained without major investors and industries.
