State of Eha-alumona, picture of neglect and abandonment
Reporter: Chinwe Mamah
Eha-alumona is a town comprising over eight communities, including Umabor, Agu Umabor, Eha-Ndiagu, Eha-Etiti, Breme, Eha-Azuabor, Agbamere, Agu Agbamere, Ezebinagu, and others.
The road connecting these communities is in deplorable condition, particularly the one leading to Agu Umabor and Eha-Ndiagu Central. This road is crucial as it links Eha-alumona to neighboring towns like Mbu, in Isi-Uzo Local Government Area, Neke, Eha-Amufu, and Nkalagu in Ebonyi State.
The communities within Eha-alumona face significant challenges due to the poor state of the road.
For instance, Agu Umabor is separated by inyi-ogu River, Breme community is separated by Eme River, while Eha-Azuabor is bounded by the Amanyi River, and Ezebinagu is seperated by the Inyise 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 the community is glaring as there is no access to clean water, the people rely on streams and rivers, often far from their homes for survival, inadequate lighting, the darkness is palpable in the villages, with makeshift lighting systems installed through community contributions. Poor healthcare, the health center is non-functional, forcing patients to travel far for medical care. Substandard education, the community school is inadequate, serving over seven autonomous communities.
The road leading to Eha-alumona is a critical issue that demands urgent attention. It is not just a matter of transportation; it is about access to basic amenities like healthcare and education.
The current state of the road has turned the 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 the people face.
The lack of government presence and development has led to Kidnapping and violence. The 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. Also the recent killing of a young man Mr Onyebuchi Odoh of Isuike village in Umabor among others.
The absence of government investment has stifled economic growth, leaving the people impoverished.
