Residents of Ngor Okpala Local Government Area in Imo State are protesting the appalling condition of roads in their communities, citing immense hardship and economic losses.
The communities which spoke through the leader of the Ngor Okpala Renaissance League, Dr. Ibe Nwoko, condemned the situation as “dishonest political brigandage.”
Nwoko shared his experience with some journalists where he and others got stranded in a swamp on the road while visiting the Chairman of Ngor Okpala Council of Traditional Rulers recently.
“We had to remove our shoes and socks to wade through the waters,” he said.
According to him, “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,” he said.
The affected roads according to Nwoko 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; Umuchie – Obokwe – Alulu Road and Eziama – Ntu – Amala Road.”
Nwoko lamented that despite having elected representatives since 1999, Ngor Okpala remains neglected in terms of infrastructure development.
“Politicians make promises during campaigns but abandon us after elections,” he said.
He added, “Ngor Okpala is the largest local government area in Imo State. It attracts millions of Naira monthly from the Federal government. Unfortunately, no account is being given on its use.
“We call on the Federal government to come to our aid because the state government has failed us,” he lamented, adding “Ngor Okpala should be declared a disaster area.”
He said that they had felt that Governor Hope Uzodimma could have been fair to the people of the area since his party had large followership from the local government.
The community’s pleas come as the Sole Administrator of Ngor Okpala Local Government Area, Kizito Onuoha, reportedly ordered some palliative works on the Umukabia Umuneke community road to ease traffic movement.
