Frank Nweke Jr, the governorship candidate of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) for Enugu State, on Tuesday promised to improve the lives of people in urban slums.

He said his administration would pay particular attention to urban renewal, especially in the Bunker community of the state.

The APGA guber candidate said this during a tour of Bunker, an urban slum in Enugu city, noting that he had visited the community a few times in the past.

Mr Nweke said the poor living conditions of thousands of residents who live in the area had far-reaching economic and social effects on the state and must be addressed with urgency.

“Consider the implications for public health, for general security, for their personal economy and their dignity. Look at the children.

“What do they have to look forward to or aspire to live in a place like this? Where will they direct their energy, curiosity and excitement,” he said.

Mr Nweke noted that crime was a means of survival, and unplanned pregnancies were prevalent and lead to further health, economic and social challenges.

He charged residents of the area to vote for APGA while reassuring them of his commitment to the community’s transformation.

This, he said, includes the provision of necessities such as education, healthcare, functional waste disposal systems and an improved road network.

He addressed the inadequate shelter available to the residents, assuring that his administration’s medium to long-term goal would involve the regeneration of the area and other communities.

“Our government will work to provide social housing in key areas, and our development plan includes working with bilateral organisations such as the UN.

“Provide habitat which is responsible for promoting socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities with the goal of providing adequate shelter for all.

“The opportunities are there, and we will explore them and deploy every means necessary to guarantee the total human security and dignity of our people,” he said.

He said they want to improve residents’ sense of self-worth, employment options, educational opportunities, and social interaction with mainstream society schemes and reduce inequalities.

(NAN)