APPEAL FOR EQUITABLE ALLOCATION OF INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS TO NDOKWA EAST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA

18th February, 2025

His Excellency, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori

Governor of Delta State

Government House, Asaba, Delta State

Dear Sir,

Subject: Appeal for Equitable Allocation of Infrastructure Projects to Ndokwa East Local Government Area

I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. 

Sir, I write to you with a deep sense of responsibility and an urgency for your government's intervention to end the suffering and difficulty of 'life' of the Ndoshimili people of Ndokwa-East LGA. This is with regards to the recent approval of 275 billion Naira for infrastructural development projects across Delta State. While we acknowledge and commend your administration's efforts toward improving the state’s infrastructure, it is with great concern that I bring to your attention the inadequate allocation of resources for Ndokwa East Local Government Area, which has long been marginalized in terms of infrastructural development.

It is disheartening to note that the only consideration given to Ndokwa-East under this new initiative of; 'Infrastructural Allocation', captured only the approval and award of the "same" construction of; "James Ezechi Street of Umuaga Quarters, Okpai". (Same street project that was approved and awarded before, by the Okowa Administration, with a physical work level of; Stone-baze and drainage system as job done.) Therefore claiming to have awarded a project to 'Ndokwa-East' and expecting an applause from the people is simply tantermount to celebrating mediocrity. 

While we recognize the need for local infrastructure, the size and scope of this projects fail to reflect the pressing needs of the entire Ndokwa East region for Infrastructural development. 

The people of Ndokwa-East feel very betrayed, slighted and unfairly treated due to the meager allocation that fails to match the magnitude of the infrastructural challenges. Thereby leaving the people again in the hands of faith while going through yet another torturous season without access roads to their homelands. 

It is essential to point-out that Ndokwa East Local Government Area, despite its significant contribution to the national economy—especially through its oil and gas reserves—has been consistently shortchanged in terms of infrastructure.

The oil and gas sector, remains the mainstream source of revenue generation of the State, yet the infrastructural needs of the people remain unaddressed. Needless to mention that the absence of adequate roads, schools, hospitals, and other critical facilities have compounded the socio-economic hardships faced by the people of Ndokwa-East.

For several years, successive governments has failed to prioritize infrastructural development in the region, opting for isolated projects that do not adequately address the broader infrastructural deficit in Ndokwa East. Consequently, the people of Ndokwa East are left to contend with underdeveloped and poorly maintained road networks that impede transportation, trade, and access to essential services. The state of the following roads, in particular, requires urgent attention:

1. Aboh/Akarai/Umuolu/Adai/Utuoku/Onyah Road

2. Akarai/Onogbokor/Iyede Ame/Lagos Iyede/Azagba/Okoroafor/Anyama/Anwa/Ibrede/Igbuku/Ashaka Road

3. Iselegu/Inyi/Onouaboh/Okpai Road

4. Oloa Ossissa/Abala Obodo/Abala Onor Road

5. Oko'h/Abala'Oshimili/ Utchi/Okpai Road etc. 

These roads are crucial to connecting various towns and communities within Ndokwa-East and are fundamental to the development of the region. The absence of motorable roads severely hampers economic activities, and greatly affects access to basic healthcare, education, and other essential services.

In light of the challenges outlined above, we respectfully request that your administration reconsider its approach to infrastructural development for Ndokwa-East. The region deserves a fair share of the 275 billion Naira allocated for State infrastructural projects. Therefore a more equitable allocation, commensurate with Ndokwa-East’s contribution to State's revenue, would require an investment of at least 11 billion Naira for Infrastructure. That amount if derived from the original allocation to State, would go a long way in addressing the access road challenges that has brought excruciating suffering on the people. 

Sir', also do well to ensure that the voices of the people of Ndokwa-East is adequately represented in your government's decisions, as it is imperative that the concerns of Ndokwa-East people are taken seriously and given the much needed attention.  

The people of Ndokwa East are eager to see a transformation that reflects their contributions to the State and the nation treasury. I am also confident that, with your intervention, Ndokwa-East will finally receive the attention it deserves, resulting in the development and growth of the region.

Thank you in anticipation of your timely consideration to this matter, and for your continued service to Delta State.

Yours sincerely,

Comrade Chukwuemeka Simeon Nduka

President General, Akarai Etiti Community