The House of Representatives in Nigeria has directed the Federal Ministry of Works and the Federal Road Maintenance Agency, FERMA to start the reconstruction of Oba-Nnewi-Uga-Akokwa-Arondizuogu-Okigwe roads in Anambra and Imo states instantly.
This adopted the adoption of a movement by the member representing Ideato North and South Federal Constituency, Mr. Ikenga Ugochinyere, and three others at plenary.
The House additionally mandated its Committee on Works, when constituted, to make sure full compliance with the directive.
In his lead debate, Mr. Ugochinyere acknowledged that the failed parts of the roads, which cuts throughout Idemili, Nnewi North/South/Ekwusigo, Aguata and Ideato Federal Constituencies in Anambra and Imo states have change into a deathtrap.
He famous that gunmen now use the unhealthy parts of the roads to hold out prison actions together with theft, kidnapping amongst others.
He stated residents across the areas have fled from their houses to hunt security and shelter elsewhere.
According to him, “despite the construction/repair/maintenance work carried out on the road by the Federal Ministry of Works, Federal Road Maintenance Agency, FERMA, and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in the past, the road has remained in a deplorable state.
“As a result of the deplorable state of the road, economic and commercial activities in the surrounding communities have crumbled. Traders and travellers around Nnewi, Onitsha, Uga, Akokwa and Arondizuogu communities in Anambra and Imo States have abandoned the area for fear of their lives and safety.”
Ugochinyere expressed fear that with the arrival of the wet season, the already deplorable state of the highway has been worsen and inhabitants of the stated communities are not capable of go about their day by day actions freely as their lives and properties are beneath risk as a result of torrential erosions that ensue from the rains.
“If reconstruction work is not carried out on the road, the lives, businesses and
economy of inhabitants of the affected communities will be completely crumbled,” he added.
Confidence Okwuchi
