GOVT TO ADDRESS DILAPIDATED BUILDING AT COMMUNITY SECONDARY SCHOOL UMUOBA-ANAM AS MAYOR ADVOCATES COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP MODEL. (PHOTO). #PRESS RELEASE

 Government to Address Dilapidated Building at Community Secondary School Umuoba-Anam as Mayor Advocates Community Partnership Model

By Nwegbo Ifeanyi

The Chairman of Anambra East Local Government Area, Hon. Ifeanyi Chinweze, has assured residents of Umuoba-Anam community of prompt government action on the two-storey classroom block at Community Secondary School, Umuoba-Anam that was in a dilapidated state.

Speaking with news men, Hon Chinweze said that government has taken note of the condition of the structure and will carry out lasting remedial work to prevent any future incident and ensure a safe learning environment for students.

He called on stakeholders to play active roles in protecting public infrastructure in their communities.

"Government cannot be everywhere at the same time. Parents-Teachers Associations (PTA), Town Unions, community leaders, and federal and state legislators must take ownership of projects sited in their areas. Maintenance and sustainability are collective responsibilities,” he said.

The Mayor also advocated for Public-Private-Community Partnership (PPCP) model as a way for communities to support government in providing infrastructure such as classrooms, healthcare centres, and other amenities, especially in rural areas.

He cited examples from within and around Anambra East where the model had worked. 

"An age-grade in Eziagulu-Otu built a school, a club association built a health centre in Enugwu-Otu, while the people of Awkuzu in Oyi LGA built a hospital for their community.

"These communities did not wait for government alone. They partnered and delivered projects that are serving their people today,” Chinweze noted.

While reaffirming that Community Secondary School, Umuoba-Anam will receive government attention, the Chairman urged community stakeholders to act as first responders by reporting issues early and supporting maintenance efforts.

He added that sustainable development in Anambra East can only be achieved when government and communities work together to build, protect, and maintain public facilities for the benefit of all.