Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia on Saturday inaugurated a cottage hospital and rural electricity project in Obuohia-Ibere community of Ikwuano local government council.
Speaking during the event, Gov Ikpeazu stressed the need for improvement of healthcare access and power supply in rural communities as been essential towards achieving even development in the state.
Represented by his deputy, Mr Ude Oko-Chukwu, added that the health facility and electricity project would improve lives in the community and were in line with the state government’s development efforts.
He charged the leaders of the community to evolve strategies that would ensure the protection of the projects against vandalisation.
Ikpeazu directed the state Mnistry of Health and Abia state Primary Health Development Agency to expedite action in assuring that medical personnel and supplies would be sent to the hospital.
He commended the representative of Umuahia/ Ikwuano Federal Constituency, Hon Sam Onuigbo for playing a huge role in attracting the projects to the community.
Ikpeazu appealed to political office holders to collaborate with relevant agencies to facilitate the provision of the dividends of democracy in their constituencies.
In his speech, Representative Sam Onuigbo said that the projects would improve the welfare of the people.
According to him, the Cottage hospital was built in 1984 but had degenerated to a state of gross dilapidation as a result of neglect over the years.
Onuigbo said that in the past, people in the area travelled for five miles to access healthcare services from the neighboring community.
He expressed delight over the efforts made in rehabilitating the hospital, adding that it would address the gap in healthcare delivery in the community.
“We will continue to attract developmental projects that address the needs of our people. I urge communities in Umuahia/Ikwuano Federal Constituency to embrace peace and unity,” he said.
Earlier, Chief Sam Eke, the National President of Obuohia Development Union, said that he was delighted over the realisation of the projects, adding that it would improve the wellbeing of the people.
Eke appealed to the state government to expedite action in providing relevant resources for the optimal operation of the hospital.
He assured that the community would ensure that the health facility and electricity projects would be protected from vandalisation.
