The people of Okuoke Community, Elume Clan, in the Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State, have lamented the absence of roads and potable water in their community.
They also lamented the deplorable state of the only school in the area, Ohwekwe Primary School.
Mainly farmers, they said the situation has made it difficult to convey produce to the market as a river had overtaken the entrance into the community from the Elume axis
Glory Michael Asiughwure, President/Founder of Royal Diadem Apostolic Church in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area, who spoke on behalf of the community, said previous governments ignored Okuoke, making it the only community with untarred roads.
“Coming to this town, you can see a big water like a river. To enter the water during this rainy season is a very terrible situation,” he said.
He urged Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to come to the community’s aid.
“We actually give them our votes during the election. I came personally to come and talk to them so that they would support the people so that we could get the attention of the people.
“The primary school is not developed, no road. The two roads which enter the community, the one that leads to Warri Road and this other one, they’re all covered by the river. A lot of the youths here are crying for employment. There are lots of things that we actually niece that the government can help us with.”
Asiughwure also urged the people of Okuoke Community to be united and pray for the betterment of their land.
The Councillor representing the people of DSIEC Ward 16, Elume INEC Ward 10 in the Sapele Local Government Council, Aligba Solomon Ukohoro, who spoke with journalists, expressed sadness about the state of the road.
He said, “it’s above my personal power because there’s no local government autonomy. So, they cannot do anything as far as the road is concerned. The little they can do is what they have done.”
He also called on the federal, State and local governments to remember Okuoke in terms of development, especially in infrastructure and human capital. He said the health centre in the community is functional.
