INFRASTRUCTURAL MAINTENANCE CHALLENGES IN THE METHODIST CHURCH NIGERIA, DIOCESE OF UZUAKOLI: A RECIPE FROM NEHEMIAH 1:3

Abstract

This study examined the challenges of infrastructure maintenance in Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Uzuakoli. Often times, huge amount of money are invested in the development of infrastructure but little or nothing is budgeted for maintenance purposes. This poor or lack of maintenance culture has rendered many useful infrastructures such as buildings, roads, vehicles, power plant and water supplies useless and impotent, especially in Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Uzuakoli. This research employed historical method aiming at the reflection of Nehemiah 3:2 while the researchers embarked on physical tour, on the spot assessment and inspection of the infrastructure at Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Uzuakoli to identify the types of infrastructure, the level of decay and determine the causes of deterioration and proffer recommendations for improvement. Information for the study were gathered through observation, interviews and reading of related books, journals and unpublished materials with the aim of eliciting information on the challenges of maintenance culture in Uzuakoli Leprosy centre and so on. The findings revealed that adequate maintenance culture is lacking in Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Uzuakoli. It was discovered that poor maintenance culture over the years has rendered many buildings, roads, factories, palm plantation, power plant and water supplies and vehicles useless and impotent to the extent that trees have grown inside some of the abandoned buildings. It was further discovered that maintenance culture which encompasses adequate care and good management of infrastructure has not gained ground in the consciousness of most Methodist Clergy and Laity. The study recommended that individuals should emulate Nehemiah in his mind set and optimism in rebuilding the falling walls of Jerusalem without shifting blames. The Church must imbibe good maintenance policy and engage in massive enlightenment programme to inculcate maintenance culture in the minds of all Methodist Church Nigeria members, both Clergy and Laity.Infrastructure maintenance should be prioritized if they are to serve their purposes and also live up to their expected life span.