EDITORIAL: MAINTAINING PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURES IN IKA
It is axiomatic that governments have the responsibility to provide social infrastructures for use by the public. These infrastructures include roads, pipe-borne water, health centres, schools and electricity etc. At times, private business organizations and individuals support various governments in the provision of these facilities. This is in line with corporate social responsibility.
These infrastructures over time depreciate due to usage and lack of maintenance. Vandalism is another reason for facilities to fail. The lack of maintenance is often affected by paucity of funds, corruption and stable government.
In Ika Federal Constituency, there are several public facilities begging for repairs and protections. These facilities were attracted by both state and federal governments. Where the government that attracted the projects failed to maintain them, the residents and local government should step in.
SEE ALSO:Â LEADING WITH INTEGRITY: AN OPEN LETTER TO COUNCIL CHAIRMEN AND COUNCILLORS!
It is on this backdrop that we salute the Ika North-East Local Government for fixing some failed sections of the Old Lagos-Asaba Road and another section at Ute-Erumu. We are aware too of efforts by Ika South Local Government to provide new facilities for public use. Ordinarily, these actions do not require appreciation but the failure of past administrations in this regard provides no alternative.
The streetlights along Old Lagos-Asaba Road are daily failing due to auto accidents and other human activities. The traffic lights near First Bank have become bad since over a year. The architectural works at the roundabout in Owa-Alero are gradually falling. The list of failing projects is endless.
In the face of failure of current state government to complete ongoing projects in Ika as well as initiate new ones, efforts must be made to maintain the few public facilities here. The two Council Chairmen should therefore work harmoniously with a view to protecting our public facilities.
Residents should not abandon local governments in these tasks. We cannot allow vandals to have a field day with our public utilities. If you see something; say something. It is only in this manner that we can have utmost gains from government efforts.