The Federal Government’s denial of allegations of neglect by the South-East governors in critical infrastructure, especially provision of roads, prompted ARINZE CHIJIOKE to investigate both the allegation and the rebuttal. After weeks of investigation, his findings unveiled shocking revelations about the roads in question, the government’s commitment, and even the contractors.

UZOETO Dickson had just finished saying a prayer with selected members of his community when this reporter called at his house on a sweltering Wednesday afternoon in early September. The prayer was a demand for the rains to go away to let the dry season set in. He is the Palace Secretary to the traditional ruler of Awo-Idemili, one of the communities in Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State, through which the federal road connecting Ihiala in Anambra State and Orlu and Umuduru in Imo State passes.

While other community members were naturally happy each time the clouds gathered, residents of Dickson’s community would prepare for the loud sounds of vehicles navigating their way through internal roads in the community.

“This has become a ritual each time it rains, as our road becomes unmotorable after the rains, “he said, adding, “We always pray to get to October and the rest of the year when the road will dry up.”

In 2018, the Federal Government awarded the contract for the emergency repair of Ihiala-Orlu-Umuduru Road to Samchase Nigeria Limited at a contract sum of N98.5 million. When Dickson heard of the government’s plan to rehabilitate the road, he was excited. The entire community was too. It was thought that the days of hearing the loud sounds of vehicles and trekking long distances from Awo-Idemili to Ihiala had finally ended.

The road had become unmotorable, with most of it riddled with potholes. Whenever it rained, the potholes are filled with water, and each time commercial drivers and, sometimes, vehicles get stuck, some for days. They usually resort to the inner roads in the community as an alternative.

Sadly, three years down the line, nothing has changed for the people of Awo-Idemili as their section of the road remains as neglected as it has always been. At present, more vehicles ply the internal roads in the community than the major ones. The project has been abandoned except for the Ihiala section, where some palliative works were done to make it motorable.

Dickson said: “On two occasions, they have destroyed the bridges we built for ourselves. They know where the roads are, and we cannot stop them from using the roads.”

Now, people find it difficult to transport their farm produce to their homes. They often trek long distances because commercial drivers, motorcyclists especially, do not accept carrying passengers coming towards the Awo-Idemili section. The dire state of the road has harmed businesses along the road.

“Even those that used to bring Yam and other farm produce to our community from Aguleri and other parts of Anambra State have stopped coming because of the bad state of the road,” he said.

Gloria Chimezie, a provision store owner, sells alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and snacks by the roadside. When the road was still in good shape, commuters used to stop by to buy from her, but since the road failed, it became difficult for them to stop at her shop. It was worse when it rains because they would want to drive past the community where the roads are good.

She said: “Even those walking on foot find it difficult to stop by my shop and buy things. Most times, when I restock my shop, I take time to sell before going back to the market.”

Business venture for children

But not everyone in the community complains about the bad road because the situation has created a business enterprise for some youths in the area. As soon as each day breaks, they come out in their numbers and spread themselves into groups. While some of them remain on the major road, usually inside the potholes, others go into the roads inside the community. Those inside the community show commuters travelling from Orlu where they can follow through to escape some of the deep potholes where vehicles often get stuck.

Some stand on the major road, directing drivers to manoeuvre their way, after which they are paid. At the end of each day, they share the money among themselves and pray for more the next day.

READ MORE HERE: https://www.icirnigeria.org/investigationfederal-roads-in-south-east-remain-death-traps-despite-nigerian-govts-claims/

Buhari only remembers the Igbos whenever he wants to suck blood

But those APC zombie on nairaland said baba has repair all the federal road in southeast finish.

But Buhari is dead naw

No government presence at all.

NO ELECTION IN BIAFRALAND

Jostoman:
But those APC zombie on nairaland said baba has repair all the federal road in southeast finish.

See mumu talk.

Is not possible for GMB to repair all the roads in Nigeria in 8 years

I travelled to unn from Lagos, my dear East is something else. Even the state roads

From onitsha to 9th mile is hell, while from 9th mile to unn is �. Eastern 9jer is something else