By Ephraim Onuoha
Residents of Egbu, Awaka, and Emekuku communities in Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State are still reeling from the demolition of their business outlets and shops by the Imo State government.
The demolition, carried out last week, was part of the expansion project of the Owerri-Mbaise-Umuahia Road, a federal government project undertaken by the Imo State government.
According to the State Commissioner for Works, Ralph Nwosu, the expansion became necessary due to the constricted width of the road caused by obstructing structures.
“The expansion will increase the road’s width from 6 meters to 7.3 standard width carriage, alleviating gridlock and enhancing road user experience,” Nwosu stated.
However, victims of the demolition argue that the timing is wrong, especially during economic hardship in the country.
“This is a very wrong time for this demolition. Government should have a human face when they want to do such things,” said Mr. Chuks Ekwueme, a shop owner whose business was demolished at Egbu.
Ekwueme lamented that his shop was demolished without notice, leaving him penniless and frustrated.
“I wonder what I will do now. I have nothing else to fall back on, because my shop has been demolished.” he lamented.
Chuks Ike, a barbing salon owner, said he has resorted to barbing his clients at home after his shop was razed.
“Government claimed they gave us notice before the demolition, but I never heard or received any notice. This is pathetic.” he said.
Other victims contend that the demolition was untidy, with electric poles and communication wires destroyed.
Most residents in Egbu community called for a more considerate approach to the expansion of the road
“This is not the right time for this kind of project.
“People are suffering, and the government should prioritize their wellbeing first and not to inflict pain and misery on citizens who are going through agonizing hardship ,” said a resident who spoke to INNONEWS but wished to remain anonymous.
He continued ” The demolition has exacerbated economic hardship in the area, with many left without livelihoods.The expansion of the road should not take precedence over the wellbeing of these shop owners and business outfits.
“We are now left to pick up the pieces and wonder what the future holds for us” he concluded.