By Brenda Chidinma Imo-Eze
The Nigeria Automobile Technicians Association (NATA), Mechanic Village, Abakaliki, has called on the Ebonyi State Government to urgently rehabilitate the deteriorating internal roads within the village and provide other key infrastructural support to boost the productivity and safety of its members.
The association made this known during the celebration of its 50th anniversary held last Thursday in Abakaliki. The President of the association, speaking at the event, decried the poor state of access roads in the mechanic village and the absence of basic amenities, which he said continue to hamper operations and expose workers to risks.
He noted that a team of surveyors was recently sighted within the village, inspecting the internal roads—an action the association believes is a sign that the state government, through its “People’s Charter of Needs” agenda, may soon extend development projects to the area. He urged the government not to delay in turning this hope into reality.
The association also appealed for the installation of solar-powered street lights to improve security and night-time visibility, especially for technicians who work late into the evening. In addition, the president called for the establishment of a healthcare centre within the mechanic village to cater to the medical needs of artisans and customers, as well as the creation of a polling unit to prevent residents from travelling long distances to vote during elections.
He further requested the completion of NATA’s ongoing ultra-modern Unity Hall project and emphasized the need for youth empowerment programs that would directly reach technicians across the state. He also proposed the setup of free training centers for automobile artisans across the 14 local government areas of Ebonyi State to strengthen the sector.
Despite challenges, the association highlighted several achievements recorded under the current leadership. These include the construction of water drainage channels, procurement and placement of ten culvert rings to link bad roads, concreting of a major gate culvert linking Chima Fuel Station, laterite work on internal roads, evacuation of refuse dumps from multiple locations, and structural reinforcement of the NATA Unity Hall to prevent collapse. The association also successfully recovered more than five stolen vehicles, which were handed over to the police for investigation.
Representing the Governor at the event, the Chief of Staff, Prof. Emmanuel Echiagu, congratulated the association on its 50th anniversary and assured members that the government would look into their demands. He praised NATA for its contribution to local development and job creation, adding that the government remains committed to supporting local industries.
“The government is aware of your efforts and challenges. Be rest assured that your requests will be addressed in line with the administration’s commitment to grassroots development,” Prof. Echiagu stated.