Residents of the Akachi/Otammiri Estate in Owerri Municipal of Imo State have issued a desperate plea to Governor Hope Uzodimma, urging immediate intervention to prevent a looming erosion disaster threatening to submerge their homes and displace thousands.
The estate, situated between the Spring Palm Hotel and the road leading to the Ogbosisi Naze Timber Market, is on the verge of devastation as gully erosion, exacerbated by overflow from the Otammiri River, continues to wreak havoc.
“This is an urgent cry for help. Just like Ideato people were saved by Governor Uzodimma’s intervention on the Mgbee/Umuchima road, we need similar action here,” said Mr. Francis Chibuokwu Okehi, the Estate Chairman, during an inspection with newsmen over the weekend.
Okehi disclosed that residents had previously resorted to self-help measures by sand-filling erosion-prone areas.
However, he lamented that the erosion has worsened to a scale beyond their capacity to manage.
“The erosion now requires a solid drainage system to properly channel floodwaters,” he stated.
He emphasized the urgency, noting that the lack of proper flood channels has allowed the water to create new paths, resulting in destruction.
“If this situation is not addressed immediately, lives and homes will be lost,” Okehi warned.
The estate chairman further revealed that the Akachi/Otammiri Estate road was listed among the 135 kilometers of roads slated for construction under Governor Uzodimma’s administration.
However, while many of these roads have been completed and commissioned, the 1.6-kilometer stretch in their community remains abandoned.
“This estate houses over 200 buildings and more than 15,000 residents,” Okehi explained.
Despite the dire situation, Okehi expressed gratitude for Governor Uzodimma’s commitment to road development across the state.
“We commend the Governor for the quality infrastructure projects he has executed, including the Owerri-Onitsha, Owerri-Okigwe, and Owerri-Orlu roads,” he added.
He expressed confidence in the Governor’s ability to address their plight, describing him as a leader with “courage and love for humanity.”
He added, “We believe Governor Uzodimma, who has transformed urban and rural roads in Imo State, will not let us become refugees in our own homes.”
He also highlighted the strategic importance of the road, noting that it connects to the Ogbosisi Naze Timber Market, a vital business hub in the state.
“This road is crucial for the economy of the area. It cannot be ignored,”
“We humbly pray to our Governor, our Onwa Oyoko, to remember us. We are confident that soon, construction equipment will arrive at the site. We trust in his leadership and the capacity of his Works Commissioner, Chief Ralph Nwosu.”he said.
