The Owelle Rochas Anayo Okorocha led government in Imo state on assumption of office in its first tenure of four years in 2011 embarked on massive capital intensive infrastructural projects aimed at alleviating the plights of its citizenry. Some of them included roads, hotels, hospitals, schools etc.
Though some people criticized some of the projects, labeling them ‘populist and unnecessary projects, many Imolites were however elated. They all prayed and hoped that the projects be completed on time before the first tenure of the administration elapsed. However, many of the projects were not completed in the first four years of the administration but it contributed to the electoral victory of the governor in his second term bid as the people of the state returned him with implicit confidence that he would complete the projects in his second term.
The government, so far has not hidden its intention to embark on new projects especially new industries in fulfillment of the ‘Industry, industry’, electoral promises made to Imolites. Some of the projects that need to be completed are: The 27 hospitals in the 27 local government areas, the Prince and Princess Hotels in Okigwe and Orlu respectively, the Ivory Tower Hotel at Port Harcourt Road, Owerri, a new stadium in Orlu, the Diaspora Village in Eziama Obiato, Mbaitoli LGA, and many others scattered across the state. Some completed pojects that are not functioning like the Imo Film Academy at Egbu Road, should be reactivated and made to stand on their feet.
In addition to the projects started by this administration, all moribund industries and abandoned projects by previous administrations in the state especially the industries built by the Mbakwe administration like the Standard Shoe Industry, Owerri, the Avutu Poultry Farm, Obowo and others must be rehabilitated.
Embarking on new projects is good but completing and reviving the old ones is best. The Imo state government, should as a matter of urgency, prioritize the completion of all capital projects it started before embarking on new ones.
The good impression already created in the minds of Imolites by the Owelle Okorocha government embarking on those life transforming projects will plummet if he leaves office with unfinished projects scattered all over the state. We therefore advise the government to endeavour to finish the projects it started in its first tenure before embarking on new ones. This will necessitate worthy legacy, though the economic doldrum would pose a big challenge to the government.
