By Zik Gbemre
As made known by your Chief Press Secretary, Charles Aniagwu, in a recent report, we are aware that the Delta State Government has approved (among other things), the construction of a Modern Market at Orerokpe. This is a move in the wrong direction. We strongly believe building a Modern Market for the people of Orerokpe, is not a priority of needs at this moment for the people.
We do not think this is what the people of Orerokpe need at the moment to improve their living standards and economic wellbeing. We are not against the development of Orerokpe, but we believe the Delta State Government should execute projects/programs according to the needs of the people and not for some contractor(s) to enlarge their private pockets.
The Delta State Government ought to have conducted an assessment of the immediate and future needs of the people of Orerokpe Community, Delta State before approving or embarking on anything in accordance to priorities. Also, such projects/programs must be executed on the grounds of Functionality, Sustainability, Efficiency and Beneficiary Ownership for them to make the desired impact in the lives of the people. And looking at Orerokpe, a Modern Market is the least of the peoples needs. Even the market already there at Orerokpe is not being put to use by the people as they should. Another market therefore (be it modern) in Orerokpe will not only be used as ‘shelter by mad persons’, it will obviously be a waste of State’s scarce resources.
A higher institution for instance, maybe a a School of Nursing or a Polytechnic, will serve the people better and open up Orerokpe more than the so called Modern Market. Or better still, if the Delta State Government can embark on and complete ‘the expansion project of the Osubi Airstrip to an International Airport, it will benefit the people of Orerokpe tremendously since Osubi is part of Orerokpe, all in Okpe Kingdom. When the Osubi Airstrip is expanded to an International Airport, it will greatly open up the area with big hotels and tourist attractions. This venture will obviously serve the people of Orerokpe better than a so called Modern Market.
This was how Shell (SPDC) some years back built a market at Osubi. That market is today covered with bush and not serving any purpose. This example, and many others like it, made Shell(SPDC) to change their approach when it comes to doing anything for their host communities.
The Delta State Government, should always assess the immediate and future needs of the people in any area before approving or embarking on any project/program for the people, especially in the face of the lean resources of the State’s economic status. We therefore advise the Delta State Government to do the right thing regarding the above case at Orerokpe and other future plans it has in different areas of the State.
Zik Gbemre, JP National Coordinator Niger Delta Peace Coalition
