Residents of Owaza community in Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State have appealed to Governor Alex Otti over the proposed Abia Industrial and Innovation Park, AIIP, expressing concern over what they described as absence of tangible work on the site.
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‎The residents said a large expanse of land was acquired for the project and expressed worry that they are yet to see major construction activities at the site, nearly three years after its groundbreaking.
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‎Some of the residents who spoke with newsmen said the community is in dire need of basic infrastructure such as road, electricity and potable water.
A resident, Mr. Chidiebere Nweze, said the announcement of the industrial park was initially welcomed by the community because of its development prospects.
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‎”When the announcement was made, we were happy because we thought development would come. But up till now, we have not seen much construction. What we need urgently are road, light and water,” Nweze said.
Another resident, Mr. David Godwin, said some landowners released their lands in anticipation of development and economic opportunities.
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‎”We believed the project would bring jobs and improve our area. We are appealing to the government to look into the project and also help us with basic amenities,” Godwin said.
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‎The residents further alleged that parts of the acquired land are being accessed by herders, a situation they said has created apprehension among farmers. They appealed to the government to address their concerns and enhance security in the area.
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‎They appealed to the state government to fast-track the project and complement it with provision of critical infrastructure for the community.
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‎It would be recalled that government acquired land for the project and announced a compensation process for affected landowners. Reports have cited different figures for the land area, including more than 1,000 hectares and approximately 1,995 hectares.
The park, according to the state government, is designed to attract investors in areas such as modular refineries, petrochemicals, fertilizer production and other industrial activities.
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‎Meanwhile, efforts to obtain reaction from the state government on the current status of the project as at press time were unsuccessful.
