The worrisome condition of roads in Imo State has continued to cause pain and untold hardship for the people who ply these roads on daily basis.
Vehicular movements have been greatly impeded on these roads. Their deplorable condition can be attributed to neglect and abandonment by successive administrations.
From Orlu to Njaba, down to Okigwe, up to Ideato, the roads in Imo State are deplorable. Major and strategic roads in Owerri, such as MCC- Owerri road, World Bank road are worst hit. They are not only impassable but have become death traps.
According to a survey by a watchdog, Imo Awareness Coalition, IAC, Imo State, after Aba in Abia State, do have high number of roads in the South East which are in shambles.
The hinterlands are worst hit- with seventy percent of roads in the rural areas- completely inaccesible and in deplorable shape.
It has been observed that only the roads built by the administration of Sam Mbakwe in the state remain solid. Some of them, more than 40 years old, can be said to be in appreciable condition despite many years of usage.
Majority of the roads constructed after the exit of Mbakwe by successive administrations are on the verge of extinction. Imolites have not forgotten in a hurry tales told by former governor Rochas Okorocha who said acidic rain washed away roads in the state.
The cumulative effect of abandonment of roads in the State is unacceptable. It has inflicted untold hardship on the people and affected the economy of the State.
Roads constitute the major artery of the economy of Imo State and it is insensitive on the part of any responsible and responsive government to pay lip service to it.
The present administration of Governor Hope Uzodimma has embarked on rehabilitation of some roads in the state such as Owerri- Okigwe road and Owerri- Orlu road. Some roads in the State capital, Owerri were also rehabilitated by the administration. This is piecemeal considering the number of roads across the state which remain pitiable and in dire need of repair.
Having assured of repairing bad roads in the state at the just concluded 6th Imo Stakeholders summit, it is imperative such assurance is fulfilled and concerted efforts taken immediately to ensure that the frightening condition of roads in the state are rehabilitated before the dry season ends.
This is the time to match words with action.
- “Majority of roads constructed after the exit of the Mbakwe administration by successive administrations, are on the verge of extinction. Imolites have not forgotten in a hurry tales by former governor Rochas Okorocha who said acidic rain washed away roads in the state“