Residents of Ihiagwa, Umuokpo, Emeabiam, Eziobodo and Okolochi communities in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State have expressed worries over slow pace of construction of Ihiagwa road and adjourning neighbouring roads and urged the state government to expedite on the roads before the rainy fully set in.
Phase one of the Ihiagwa road which links Federal Polytechnic Nekede Owerri, Federal University Technology Owerri (FUTO), Police College and Divisional Police Headquarters was completed by President Muhammadu Buhari last year.
The residents said the roads when constructed would ease traffic, enhance relaxation, development, as well as strengthen commerce at the communities.
One of the residents, a trader, Eberechi Okoro, regretted that the Ihiagwa road has become a nightmare.
“Residents and motorists suffer adversely due to the bad state of the road. I’m surprised that the road is still not completed after it was awarded many years ago by Emeka Ihedioha led Rebuild Imo short lived administration. This deficiency slows commercial activities in Ihiagwa and environs,” Okoro said.
A farmer and retired civil servant, Nze Oha, who frowned at the state of the road, urged the administration of Hope Uzodimma to ensure that the road is fixed before the rainy season fully begins.
“Farming will be enhanced when there is a quality road as farm produce would easily be conveyed to the markets. A farmer is always happy and at home when his or her produce is easily and profitably sold to willing and happy consumers”.
He wondered why the construction of Ihiagwa/Naze/Nekede road was being delayed or stopped near the Police Post Umuoma, Nekede.
“This lack of political will by rulers shows a nonchalant attitude on the plight and suffering of the people who produce the wealth of the state. It is bad that nothing is moving well in Imo State despite the huge economic resources herein. People are just suffering and smiling. No steady electricity and water supply. No healthcare service, poor education has been an issue.
Petrol, kerosene, cooking gas, diesel, inflation are factors that militate against good living and common existence,” he noted.
A teacher from Emeabiam community, Mrs. Theresa Ekeh, said the government should “extend road construction to Emeabiam, Umuokpo, Okolochi and Eziobodo in their rural road project to enable the people to effectively engage in productive activities like farming, trading and artisanship.”
