By Chizoba Okeke
The Anambra State House of Assembly has called on Governor Chukwuma Soludo to establish an Emergency Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Programme to restore infrastructure and revive socio-economic activities in communities adversely affected by insecurity across the state.
The resolution followed a motion moved during plenary on June 23, by the member representing Ihiala Constituency II, Hon. Golden Iloh, who stressed the need for a coordinated recovery framework to address the extensive damage caused by years of insecurity in several communities.
Presenting the motion, Hon. Iloh explained that the proposed programme would focus on rebuilding damaged public infrastructure, restoring healthcare and educational services, reviving local economies, facilitating the return of displaced residents, accelerating the overall recovery of affected communities.
He noted that such an initiative would provide a structured approach to rebuilding critical infrastructure, restoring essential services, supporting displaced persons and creating an enabling environment for sustainable development in the affected areas.
The lawmaker expressed concern over the destruction of public facilities and disruption of livelihoods in communities across Ihiala, Ogbaru, Orumba South, Nnewi South, Awka North, Aguata, Ayamelum and Orumba North Local Government Areas(LGA).
While commending Governor Soludo’s security interventions, Hon. Iloh acknowledged that the administration’s efforts had significantly improved security and restored relative peace in many parts of the state.
Contributing to the debate, the member representing Idemili South Constituency, Hon. Ebuka Igwe, underscored the urgency of rebuilding damaged infrastructure and restoring normalcy in the affected communities.
Similarly, the member representing Nnewi South Constituency, Hon. Nonso Atuchukwu, advocated targeted support for residents whose sources of livelihood were disrupted by insecurity.
Also speaking, the member representing Orumba South Constituency, Hon. Emma Nwafor, said the restoration of public institutions and critical infrastructure would help rebuild public confidenc, encouraging displaced residents to return to their communities.
On his part, the Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Ikenna Ofodeme, described the proposed programme as a vital step towards sustainable recovery, reconstruction and development in the affected areas.
Presiding over the plenary, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, described the motion as timely and necessary, noting that reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts would consolidate the gains already recorded through the state’s security initiatives.
Following deliberations, the House unanimously adopted the motion and resolved to urge Governor Soludo to urgently establish the Emergency Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Programme to restore critical infrastructure and fast track recovery in insecurity affected communities across Anambra State.
Chizoba Okeke is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reorientation, Anambra State
