Imo communities decry deplorable roads, accuse politicians of neglect

Residents of Ngor Okpala Local Government Area of Imo State are fed up with the deplorable condition of roads in their communities, which has caused immense hardship and economic losses.

Leader of the Ngor Okpala Renaissance League, Dr. Ibe Nwoko, condemned the situation, describing it as “dishonest political brigandage.”

He shared a personal experience where he and others got stranded in pool water on the road while visiting the Chairman of Ngor Okpala Council of Traditional Rulers, and they had to remove their shoes and socks to wade through the waters.

The community’s concerns are valid, considering the local government area’s strategic location, connecting Abia and Rivers states.

With a population of over 159,932 people, as of the 2006 census, the lack of motorable roads is a significant challenge.It’s worth noting that the Sole Administrator of Ngor Okpala Local Government Area, Hon Kizito Onuoha, has plans to embark on palliative work on the Umukabia Umuneke community road.

However, the community demands more comprehensive solutions to address the lingering road issues.

Nwoko, averred, “There is no motorable road to the local government headquarters at Umuneke.

“As I speak to you now, there are no access roads in the whole of Ngor Okpala even to link other parts of the local government council, let alone the entire state. All the roads are death traps. Our people have been managing without good hospitals and schools, but this road thing is a serious headache to us.

“As it stands now, Ngor Okpala is the worst in Imo State regarding infrastructure.”

The affected roads according to Nwoko include ‘Ihette junction to Umuneke Road; Ulakwo – Nguru – Umuneke – Orisheze Road; Ulakwo – Nguru – Ngor – Nkwala Eziama road; Umuohie Ukwu – Obokwe – Ogbeke road; Umuohie Ukwu – Ohekelem – Ogbor Road; Umudim – Okporoamuma – Nkwoala road; Umuchie – Obokwe – Alulu road and Eziama – Ntu – Amala road.”

Nwoko lamented that despite having elected representatives since 1999, Ngor Okpala remains neglected in terms of infrastructure development, adding, “Politicians make promises during campaigns but abandon us after elections.”

He added, “Ngor Okpala is the largest local government area in Imo State. It attracts millions of naira monthly from the Federal Government. Unfortunately, no account is being given on its use.

“We call on the Federal Government to come to our aid because the state government has failed us. Ngor Okpala should be declared a disaster area.”

He said that they had felt that Governor Hope Uzodimma would have been fair to the people of the area since his party has a large followership from the local government.

The community’s pleas come as the Sole Administrator of Ngor Okpala Local Government Area, Hon Kizito Onuoha, initiated palliative works on the Umukabia Umuneke community road to ease traffic movement.