Residents of Egbu community in Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State are counting their losses after the state government commenced the expansion of the Owerri-Umuahia road, demolishing shanties and business outlets in the process.
The road expansion, is a federal government project being undertaken by the Imo state government.
According to Imo State Commissioner for Works, Ralph Nwosu, the expansion became necessary due to the constricted nature of the road.
” The State government is committed to completing the road construction in line with best engineering practices, to ensure a wider road,” Nwosu reportedly said.
The demolition, which began last week, involved structures within the Right Of Way from Egbu to Emekuku communities.
Residents and owners of the demolished structures however expressed mixed feelings over the demolition.
“It ought to be expanded. And for such major road to be expanded, shanties obstructing the expansion have to be demolished. It is part of the sacrifice one has to make for development to come to our doorstep” said Mr. Frank Egere, a resident in Egbu.
However, one of the victims of the demolition, who gave her name as Ms Esther, lamented that demolishing their wares during a period of economic hardship across the country is too much to bear.
“Much as I appreciate the expansion of the road, demolishing our wares at this time of economic hardship in the country is too much to bear. It has really disorganized most of us” She said.
INNONEWS gathered that the expansion will increase the road’s width from 6 meters to 7.3 standard, with a carriage way that will ease traffic gridlock and enhance road user experience.
The state government has assured that the road construction will be completed in line with best engineering practices.