…Another abandonment will speak doom and more hardship in the state.

By Cyril Aririguzo, KSM

Residents of Nekede and  Ihiagwa communities in Owerri West local government area of Imo State have urged the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma to come to their rescue by completing the remaining part of the road along the Nekede-lhiagwa-FUTO ack gate axis which was abandoned by the government half way.  

Addressing newsmen in Owerri recently, a member of the community and Chieftain of All Peoples Congress (APC) Hon (Dr.) Chiedo Ohamere feels they have been abandoned by the government for too long. He complained bitterly about the manner the road was abandoned by the government halfway after so much clearing work was done.

According to erudite scholars and political scientists, the abandonment shouldn’t have been encouraged because it has caused more damage to the ecosystem which led to its deplorable state during the rain that made it a nightmare and nonpliable for motorists and other road users.

According to him, further abandonment of the road will result in another disaster and hardship again if nothing is done before the rainy season. He posited that the condition of the road has brought untold hardship, and pain and made the people lose faith and trust in the Imo government and therefore urged the government to do something urgently to regain and justify their support and vote during the last November 11 election to Gov Uzodinma.

He explained that the road is a very important network road in the state that ought to be made a priority because of its importance in the socio-economic development of the state, housing close to 30% -35% of the population of the state.

“We are in deep distress on this account. Mere trekking can easily trigger an acute tachycardia.”

Below are some of the views of people and students concerning the road when interviewed:
“We almost lose our energy each time we trek on the road to school and the state of the road is so bizarre” – FUTO student.

“Severally I have fallen on this road please our Governor should look into this matter seriously and take prompt and necessary action to save us from this problem ” – Old man

“Our market used to be a no-go-area to many commuters and motorists owing to its deplorable condition. The nightmare that has come to be associated with this road has made some landlords abandon their houses and become tenants in other areas.
I cannot but appeal to the governor to provide a good road network. I feel sorry for the pregnant mothers plying those bad roads daily because as I was told, some expectant mothers have had miscarriages because of the bad road” – a concerned villager.

“In the wake of any further intensive rainfall, the issue of bad roads has become a pertinent matter requiring urgent lasting solution as floods threaten to destroy our homes and properties. The sound of a rushing rainfall remains an impediment to the well-being of your people. who call on your help he asserted.