Stakeholders have called on the South East Development Commission (SEDC) to make Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State a priority in its post-crisis reconstruction efforts following years of insecurity that devastated several communities in the area.
In an article by public affairs analyst Emeka Ezeh, Orsu was described as one of the worst-affected areas in the South-East between 2021 and 2024, with many communities experiencing violent attacks, displacement of residents, loss of lives, and widespread destruction of public and private infrastructure.
According to the report, schools, healthcare centres, markets, roads, electricity facilities, water projects, and residential buildings were severely affected, while economic activities and agricultural production suffered major setbacks.
The analyst stressed that rebuilding Orsu should go beyond physical infrastructure to include economic recovery, youth empowerment, skills acquisition, agricultural support, and community reintegration programmes aimed at promoting lasting peace and development.
He urged the SEDC to prioritise the reconstruction of critical infrastructure, support farmers and small businesses, expand educational and vocational opportunities for young people, and collaborate with government agencies, traditional institutions, and community groups to restore stability.
The report further recommended the designation of Orsu as a special post-crisis reconstruction zone to enable targeted investments in healthcare, education, security, agriculture, and employment creation.
Ezeh noted that the success of the South East Development Commission would be measured by its ability to deliver tangible improvements in the lives of residents and transform communities affected by insecurity into centres of growth and development.
