Road users and residents in parts of Abia State have appealed to the state government to urgently rehabilitate several deteriorating roads, lamenting that their deplorable condition has continued to disrupt business activities, impede transportation and cause hardship,
Some of the affected roads include the Ndoki Road, stretching from Obehie Roundabout and connecting parts of Ukwa East Local Government Area, Obuohia Road in Ugwunagbo, Umuojima Road in Osisioma, Ekeakpara and other adjoining communities.
Speaking at some of the worst affected sections, residents lamented that the roads had remained in deplorable condition for years, accusing successive authorities of neglecting critical infrastructure in their communities.
A commercial motorcyclist who plies the Ndoki Road in Ukwa East Local Government Area, decried the difficulties faced by commuters and motorists, saying the condition of the road had made transportation increasingly difficult.
“We cannot use this road comfortably. We are suffering here. We appeal to the government to come and construct the road so that it will be motorable. Vehicles ply this road, and the hardship is too much.
“This time around, we will support any government that will come to our aid and construct our roads”, he said.
Similarly, a resident, Osondu Emelogu, who spoke on the condition of the road around Obehie Roundabout, said the deplorable state of the road had persisted for over three years, negatively affecting commercial activities in the area.
“We need the government to come and do this road for us. For over three years now, we have been suffering because of the condition of this road. It has equally slowed down business activities. We have been managing it, and it is giving us serious problems. We want the government to come to our aid,” he appealed.
Another major road identified by residents is the Obuohia road in Ugwunagbo Local Government Area, which they described as completely neglected and almost impassable.
According to residents, the road has remained in poor condition for years despite serving communities and providing access to the Ugwunagbo Local Government Headquarters.
They expressed concern that a road leading to the headquarters of a local government area could be left in such a deplorable state, calling on the authorities to urgently address the situation.
Also speaking, Ogbonna Kanu, who highlighted the condition of Umuojima Road in Osisioma Local Government Area , said the road had become difficult for motorists and other road users to navigate.
He explained that the road connects Ukwachi and several other routes, including Ekeakpara, as well as, areas leading to the residences of some prominent personalities in the state.
Kanu appealed to the government to intervene, stressing that the poor condition of the road had continued to restrict movement and cause hardship for residents.
The residents also identified Ekeakpara and other adjoining roads as requiring urgent government attention, warning that continued neglect of the infrastructure could further worsen economic and social activities in the affected communities.
They called on the Abia State Government to prioritize the rehabilitation of the roads, noting that accessible road networks are essential for economic growth, business development, transportation and the overall wellbeing of the people.
