Residents of Ihiagwa, Umuokpo, Emeabiam, Eziobodo, and Okolochi communities in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State expressed their concern about the slow pace of construction of Ihiagwa road and neighboring roads. They urged the state government to expedite the construction before the rainy season fully sets in. President Muhammadu Buhari completed the first phase of the Ihiagwa road last year. The road links Federal Polytechnic Nekede Owerri, Federal University Technology Owerri (FUTO), Police College, and Divisional Police Headquarters.
Residents believe that the completion of the road would ease traffic, enhance relaxation, and strengthen commerce in the communities. Eberechi Okoro, a trader, regretted that the Ihiagwa road has become a nightmare for residents and motorists, who suffer adversely due to the bad state of the road. Okoro expressed surprise that the road is still not completed after being awarded many years ago by Emeka Ihedioha-led Rebuild Imo administration. She said that the road’s deficiency slows commercial activities in Ihiagwa and environs.
Nze Oha, a farmer and retired civil servant, 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. He said that farming would be enhanced when there is a quality road, and farm produce would be easily conveyed to the markets. He expressed concern about why the construction of Ihiagwa/Naze/Nekede road was being delayed or stopped near the Police Post Umuoma, Nekede.
A teacher from Emeabiam community, Mrs. Theresa Ekeh, said that 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. She believes that this extension would improve the living conditions of the people in the communities.
