A former member of the Imo State House of Assembly in the 9th Assembly Hon. Frank Ugboma, has drawn the attention of Governor Uzodimma to the worsening insecurity and poor state of critical infrastructure in Oguta and Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Areas of the state.
Speaking while addressing newsmen at his Orsuobodo country home in Oguta LGA on Monday Ugboma, expressed concern over the deplorable condition of roads in the oil-rich areas.
He lamented the negligence of the region that remains the economic bedrock of the state.
Ugboma queried why the Imo State Government had declared a “state of emergency” on some selected roads in other parts of the state but turned a “deaf ear” to the deteriorating road networks – in Oguta and Ohaji/Egbema LGAs.
He lamented that the economic potential of the LGAs, which include massive oil and gas deposits, thriving agricultural produce, and strategic industries such as Adapalm, are being stifled due to the neglect.
‘’There are road that have become death traps and hideouts for criminal elements. I spent over 2 hours navigating from Ukwuorji Junction on the Owerri/Onitsha Expressway to Orsu-Obodo, a journey that supposed to be at least 20 minutes’ drive. The road from Ukwuorji to Umuofor has become a known danger zone due to its terrible state.”
“It is painful that the only major road still standing, Ogbaku to Oguta Motel, was constructed by the administration of late Sam Mbakwe. Even that is now giving way in parts, and the stretch leading to Oguta Motel is completely cut off.”Ugboma lamented
He stated that the consequences of the dilapidated roads would go beyond economic stagnation, citing an increase in criminal activities, herdsmen-related killings, and kidnappings due to the poor accessibility occasioned by bad roads.
He identified Oguta Motel to Egbema Road; Ukwuorji (Mbaitoli LGA) to Oguta Motel Road; Ejemekwuru-Agwa to Egbema Road, Avu (Owerri West LGA) to Egbema Road and Assa-Awarra to Egbema Road as critical roads that were in dire condition and begging for attention.
The former Lawmaker frowned at the silence of local stakeholders and leaders who he noted had chosen to “sing praises” instead of speaking truth to power about the conditions of their people.
He therefore called on the Imo State Government and Governor Hope UzomaUzodimma to rise to the occasion and consider the plight of the oil producing region with the urgency and dignity it deserves
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