By Ogochukwu Ezugwu
Eha-Alumonah is a town comprising over eight communities, including Eha-Ndiagu, Eha-Etiti, Breme, Eha-Azuabor, Umabor, Agu Umabor, Agbamere, Agu Agbamere, Ezebinagu, and others.
The road connecting these communities is in deplorable condition, particularly the one leading to Eha-Ndiagu Central. This road is crucial as it links Eha-Alumonah to neighboring towns like Mbu, in Isi-Uzo Local Government Area, Neke, Eha-Amufu, and Nkalagu in Ebonyi State.
The communities within Eha-Alumonah face significant challenges due to the poor state of the road.
For instance, Breme community is separated by Eme River, while Eha-Azuabor is bounded by the Amanyi River, and Ezebinagu is seperated by the Iyise River. These natural barriers, combined with the lack of bridges and poor road infrastructure, hinder the transportation of farm produce to local markets. Despite having vast fertile land, the absence of government presence and investment has stifled economic growth in the area.
The town's proximity to Enugu city center,approximately 20 minutes away, makes it an attractive location for government investment. With proper infrastructure development, Eha-Alumona could become a thriving economic hub, benefiting both its residents and the state at large.
The lack of government presence in our community is glaring:
- No access to clean water: Our people rely on streams and rivers, often far from their homes, for survival.
- Inadequate lighting: The darkness is palpable in our villages, with makeshift lighting systems installed through community contributions.
- Poor healthcare: Our health center is non-functional, forcing patients to travel far for medical care.
- Substandard education: Our community school is inadequate, serving over seven autonomous communities.
The Road: A Barrier to Progress
The road leading to Eha-Alumonah is a critical issue that demands urgent attention. It's not just a matter of transportation; it's about access to basic amenities like healthcare and education.
The current state of the road has turned our community into a haven for kidnappers and other criminal elements. The tragic killing of Rev. Father Mathew Eya is a stark reminder of the dangers we face.
The lack of government presence and development has led to:
- Kidnapping and violence: Our community has witnessed numerous kidnappings and killings, including the aforementioned killing of Rev. Fr. Mathew Eya,The Parish priest of St.Charles Catholic Church, Eha-Ndiagu.
- No economic growth: The absence of government investment has stifled economic growth, leaving our people impoverished.
A Call to Action
We urge the Enugu State Government, led by His Excellency Barr. Peter Ndubisi Mbah, to take immediate action to address these issues.
We demand:
- A good road: The road leading to Eha-Ndiagu from Eha-Alumona should be constructed to facilitate the transportation of goods and people.
- Government presence: We need government investment in our community, including schools, international markets, hospitals, and security agencies.
- Economic development: We need initiatives that will stimulate economic growth and create jobs for our people.
We Will Not Be Used and Forgotten
We remember how we voted in large numbers during the last election, hoping for a better future. But our hopes have been dashed. We will not be used as mere voting machines and then forgotten. We demand action, not empty promises.
The Youths Are Restless
The lack of Government presence and unemployment has led to restlessness among our youths. We fear for their future. We urge the government to invest in our community, to create jobs and opportunities for our youths.
We cry out for help, not just for ourselves, but for our children and our future. We need the Government to come to our aid, to provide us with the basic amenities we deserve. We will not be silenced. We will not be ignored.
