………….Stakeholders Demand Urgent Intervention as Road Conditions Worsen
Residents and stakeholders in Ikwuano Local Government Area (LGA), Abia State, staged a peaceful protest on Thursday to express their frustration over the deteriorating condition of the Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene road. Despite years of contract awards and assurances, the road remains in a state of disrepair, negatively impacting the community’s economy and transportation.
Ikwuano, home to the construction company responsible for the road project, has seen residents questioning the lack of progress. Mr. Rapture Ndubuisi, a local resident, described the road as a “death trap” and highlighted the challenges it poses.
“They fix it, but they don’t fix it well,” Ndubuisi lamented. “The economic impact is severe—transport costs are high, vehicles are damaged, and the road becomes nearly impassable during the rainy season.”
Ndubuisi urged the government to ensure quality repairs with proper drainage systems, emphasizing the urgency of completing the project before the next rainy season.
Contractor Attributes Delays to Financial Constraints
Engr. Rawad Vehya, Senior Project Manager of Heartland Civil Engineering Constructions, addressed the protesters and attributed the delays to financial challenges and pending approvals from the Federal Ministry of Works.
“We are mobilizing and starting work even without full approvals,” Vehya explained. “The delays stem from issues like budgetary constraints and processing payments. We are hopeful that things will improve before Christmas.”
Vehya assured the community that efforts are underway to accelerate the project but emphasized that progress depends on directives and funding from the ministry.
Community Stakeholders Appeal to Federal Government
Catechist Ambrose Jonah, a community leader, described the protest as a peaceful demonstration of their grievances. He noted that only 20% of the road project has been completed and stressed the road’s significance, as it connects Abia State to Akwa Ibom and Cross River States.
“This road is vital for a local government hosting two universities and a private university,” Jonah said. “We appeal to the federal government to prioritize this project and spare us further suffering.”
Federal Ministry of Works Assures Progress
In response, Mr. Tony Onwubiko, the Federal Controller of Works, acknowledged the slow pace of work during the rainy season but assured that physical construction would resume in earnest with the dry season.
“Contractors have received advance payments, and we expect progress soon,” Onwubiko stated, urging the community to remain patient and avoid actions that could obstruct the contractor’s operations.
He also encouraged residents to reach out to the ministry for clarification on project concerns.
The protest underscores the growing demand for accountability and efficient execution of infrastructural projects critical to the region’s development.
