FG URGED TO FIX ONITSHA/ OWERRI ROAD BEFORE THE YULTIDE
Some motorists and other road users have appealed to the Federal Government to repair the failed portions of the Onitsha-Owerri road for smooth vehicular and human movement. According to the respondents, the failed portions of the road have continued to pose great danger to both residents and commuters. The Onitsha-Owerri road, was reconstructed by the Obasanjo led administration in 2007.
The road is strategic as it connects communities in various States and serves as an alternative route for transporters. However, some motorists have continued to groan over the bad state of the road, which have placed huge economic burden on them as a result of wear and tear on their vehicles on daily basis. Commuters are not left out of the sufferings as they spend hours at a spot especially in the morning and evening.
The portions begging for urgent Government attention include, Obodoukwu junction by Upper Iweka, in Onitsha, Total junction at Ihiala, Okija river bridge, Obosi bridge and Oba junction. A resident of Onitsha, Mr Emmanuel Izunwanne regretted that some commuters had lost their lives due to the power condition of the road. A motorist, Mr Desmond Osuji, also claimed that the failed portion of the road around Upper Iweka axis had claimed several lives and injured many within the last six months.
Another respondent, Mr Nkemjika Asomugha, appealed to the Federal Government to take advantage of the dry season to repair the road for smooth human and vehicular movement, particularly this yuletide. In an interview , the Engineer in charge of Federal Road Maintenance Agency FERMA in Anambra State, Mr Nkereuwem Asuqwo, said though palliative work was done on some portions of the road during the rainy season, plans had been concluded to ensure that the Onitsha Owerri expressway was motorable before the Christmas celebration.
As the dry season sets in, the people are expectant that relevant agencies of government would expeditiously resume the reconstruction of the road to save them the stress and waste of precious hours usually experienced during festive periods. Radio Nigeria Correspondent who visited some of the failed portions of the Anambra axis of the Federal Highway, reports that palliative work has commenced on few failed portions.
UCHE NDEKE