The Imo House of Assembly has urged Gov. Hope Uzodimma to prioritise the Umugakwo-Nkwo Umuoba Market Square-Umuchima road in Owerri North Local Government in subsequent budgetary allocations as capital project.
The House made the call during its plenary session on Tuesday following a motion presented by Mr Kelechi Offurum (APC-Owerri North) calling for the immediate rehabilitation of the road.
Offurum described the affected road in Uratta, Owerri North as a socio-economic lifeline of the community, and a major community access road linking various villages, schools, markets and churches.
He expressed concern that the affected road had been in a “deplorable and neglected condition” for over 20 years, with no major rehabilitation work carried out within the period.
He said that the road had collapsed into deep gullies, severe potholes and uncontrolled flooding rendering it almost impassable.
The lawmaker further noted that the flooding caused by the damaged road led to the desertion of the Nkwo Umuoba Market Square, which used to serve as the commercial hub of the community and its surroundings.
He said it had also crippled commerce, displaced traders and deprived the state of internally generated revenue.
Offurum observed that residents were on the verge of being displaced from their ancestral homes due to the worsening erosion and flooding.
He described the current situation as a humanitarian crisis requiring immediate and decisive intervention from the state government to save lives, protect property, and preserve ancestral heritage.
He, therefore, prayed the House to urge the Ministry of Works to urgently commence the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the Umugakwo-Nkwo Umuoba Market Square-Umuchima Road in Umuoba Uratta.
The lawmaker also appealed to the House to urge the state government to declare the situation of the road as a matter of urgent public importance.
He also asked that the government prioritise it in the subsequent budgetary allocations as a capital project.
Supporting the motion, Mr Clinton Amadi (LP-Owerri Municipal), said that the condition of the road was critical, adding that an immediate rehabilitation would aid the quick development of the area.
He also commended the governor for the completed roads in the state and urged him to ensure that all roads linking Owerri Municipal to neighbouring communities are repaired to assist the rural dwellers.
Also supporting the motion, the representative of Orlu state constituency, Mr Ikenna Ihezuo (APC), described the road as impassable.
He equally urged the House to direct the state governor to mobilise the ministry of works and all other related agencies to commence the necessary work to salvage it.
Following a unanimous vote in support of the prayers of the motion, the Speaker, Mr Chike Olemgbe (Ihitte Uboma), ruled in favour of the prayers.
He also urged the Clerk to convey the resolutions to the Office of the governor, the ministry of works and all other related agencies.