The newly chosen monarch of Arochukwu, Engr Eberechukwu Oji has undertaken groundbreaking measures to bring basic amenities to the people of the community.
In the latest move, the monarch, along with some of his friends have provided so far 380 units of solar lights which are currently being mounted across the community. The overall target is 500 units, to be completed before March 2024.
The solar units are expected to be mounted across the 19 villages in Arochukwu.
According to our reporter who was in Arochukwu recently, the communities that have so far benefited were taken by surprise when the solar lights were brought in and mounted, as no prior information was given to them.
“We woke up to see electric lights all over our village. Some of us went to the market, some went to farm and the engineers arrived with the panels, mounted them and left. So when we returned this evening, we were delightfully surprised to see very bright street lights in areas where we had previously never had lights. It’s very delighting”, said a lady who simply identified herself as Mgbokwo in Utughugwu village, Arochukwu.
According to Prince Nwaeze Isaac Kanu who spoke to to our reporter on the matter, “Arochukwu is better lighted than most cities in Nigeria now”.
His words, “the solar lights in Arochukwu at the moment is of the best quality. Once it’s night, you won’t like to go and hide inside your house because the streets are all lit up, full of lights. The lights don’t ever go off, since it’s not dependent on the public power supply. As long as the sun rises daily, we must have bright streets every evening, courtesy of HRM, Engr Eberechukwu Oji. Curiously, the mounting of solar street lights in Arochukwu seem to have began as a chain revolution against darkness, as our brother, Mazi Obasi Lawson (SOBAZ) had erslier attracted numerous solar light units to Arochukwu through the NDDC. So, with this one coming from our new Eze, you can’t help not falling in love with Aro over and again”.
He also revealed that a solar powered borehole has been completed at the Oror Palace Grounds and is currently being tested for general use.
Earlier in October, a road project started by Eze Aro’s team in 2022, was resumed, with the aim of completing the ditches, grading the main road and having it ready for use this yuletide.
The project is the Agbagwu- Ministry of Works -Abia Hotel – Ibom Barracks – link road. It is a one kilometre plus road and has reached advanced stage.
According to him, “We have commenced reconstruction of the road this dry season. We will make it motorable again this December.
“The work is done by direct labour. No contractor. The scope is to build gutters on the two sides of the road and grade the road for this December.
“We had completed the gutter on one side of the road last year. We are now building the gutter on the other side of the road, after which we will grade and compact the road to make it motorable this dry season.
“Next year we will pave the road with either asphalt, concrete or interlocking stones”, he stated.