Enugu: Uhuegu Community Decries Destruction of Govt Sanitation Project at Orie Awgu Market

The Chairman of the Community Project Management Committee (CPMC), Mr. Elias Emeka of Uhuegu in Ugwuleshi Autonomous Community, has condemned the destruction of the EN-G CARES/CSDA WASH VIP Toilet Project at Orie Awgu Market, calling it a deliberate attempt to frustrate Enugu State Government’s rural development efforts.

The project, executed under the Community and Social Development Agency WASH Programme, was installed to improve hygiene and public health at the busy Orie Awgu Market in Awgu Local Government Area.

Emeka said the facility has faced repeated destruction by individuals from neighboring Olikwu Community. This occurred despite interventions by the Awgu Local Government Council and several peace meetings convened to resolve tensions.

Community leaders said some persons from Olikwu, allegedly sponsored by stakeholders opposed to the governor’s interests, destroyed the facility while laying claim to the project site.

According to Emeka, ownership of the land was settled by the Awgu Local Government Council. He stated that the market land was handed over to the council over 30 years ago by four communities in Awgu — Uhuegu, Olocha, Amokwe, and Olikwu. The council later allocated the project site to Uhuegu in Ugwuleshi Autonomous Community for the government-backed sanitation project.

He added that despite peace initiatives by Uhuegu and interventions by the Local Government Chairman, those opposing the project remained defiant and vowed to frustrate development efforts.

Emeka described the destruction as an attack on the developmental vision of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, whose administration has prioritized rural infrastructure, public health, and community development. 

“This project is not a private facility but a government intervention designed to improve the welfare of traders, residents, and visitors to Orie Awgu Market. Any attempt to destroy it is an attack on the collective interest of the people of Awgu,” he said.

The CPMC Chairman urged the Enugu State Government, Awgu Local Government Council, security agencies, and relevant authorities to take decisive action against those responsible, protect the project, and ensure its speedy completion.

On behalf of his committee and Uhuegu Community, he appealed to Governor Mbah to intervene urgently. He alleged that “a few rich individuals from Olikwu village, acting without the mandate or authority of their village,” have repeatedly obstructed work, incited unrest, and resorted to self-help.

The project is intended to improve sanitation and public health for people in Orie Awgu and surrounding communities, in line with the state government’s vision. Emeka urged all communities in the area to embrace peaceful coexistence and support development projects that benefit the public.