Imo communities lament poor road conditions causing hardship

Residents of Ngor Okpala Local Government Area in Imo State have expressed deep frustration over the poor condition of the roads in their communities, which they say has caused significant hardship.

The roads, neglected by previous administrations, have not only impacted daily life but have also created economic and educational challenges for the area.

Speaking through the Ngor Okpala Renaissance League, a socio-cultural organization, community leaders voiced their concerns. Dr. Ibe Nwoko, a prominent member of the group, condemned what he described as “dishonest political brigandage” that has worsened the situation.

Nwoko recounted a recent incident where he and others, during a visit to the Chairman of Ngor Okpala Council of Traditional Rulers, found themselves stuck in a pool of water due to the impassable roads.

Residents are calling for immediate government intervention to address the deteriorating infrastructure and alleviate the challenges faced by the community.

“We had to pull off our shoes and stockings to wade through the waters.

“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 parts of the state.

“All the roads are death traps. Our people have been managing without good hospitals and even good schools, but this road thing is a serious headache to us.

“As it stands now, Ngor Okpala is the worst in Imo State in terms of infrastructure”, Nwoko said.

He listed the affected roads in the area to 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; and Umuchie – Obokwe – Alulu Road and Eziama – Ntu – Amala Road.

Nwoko noted with disappointment that no meaningful road infrastructure has been constructed in Ngor Okpala since 1999 despite having a series of elected senators and other legislators who represented the area both at the federal and the state levels.

“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.

“We thought that the present governor of the state, Sen. Hope Uzodimma could have been fair to the people of the area since he and his party had large followership from the local government.

“However, what we are seeing shows the contrary. It is unfortunate”, he lamented.