By Raymond Ozoji, Awka
Residents of Anambra East and West constituencies have condemned their representatives at both the state and federal legislatures over the deplorable state of the Nneyi–Umueri–Anam road, describing it as devastating and long abandoned.
A visit to the area on Tuesday, August 26, revealed that the road, which locals say is of strategic importance, has been in ruins for over five years.
The stretch, which connects the home of the current House of Representatives member for Anambra East and West, has deteriorated into a nightmare of gaping potholes and flooded sections, making it virtually impassable for small vehicles. Even tippers attempting to ply the road are often trapped in deep craters.
Farmers and drivers lamented that the condition has worsened their hardship. Chukwuma Udekwe, a native of Nneyi–Umueri, said access to farmlands becomes impossible whenever it rains. “The road has been this bad for more than five years. We can’t get to our farms when it floods. Government should come to our rescue,” he pleaded.
Two farmers, Mrs. Benedict Egwuonwu and Mrs. Francisca Egbo, recounted similar ordeals. They explained that evacuating farm produce has become nearly impossible as vehicles no longer pass the route, forcing them to use wheelbarrows or carry loads on their heads.
During the visit, this reporter witnessed a tipper stuck in a massive pothole. Its driver, Emmanuel Nwogbe, said the bad road has destroyed many vehicles beyond repair. Another driver, Mr. Godwin Eneanya, was seen fixing his broken-down truck near a flooded portion. He criticized lawmakers for abandoning the road, stressing that even palliative measures like filling the potholes with laterite have been neglected.
A cyclist, Ikenna Ekwealor, added that even motorcycles struggle to navigate the dilapidated stretch. He emphasized that the road connects many communities in Omambala, yet has been ignored by both the state and federal governments.
Attempts to reach former and current lawmakers representing the area were largely unsuccessful. While Hon. Patrick Udoba, former member for Anambra West, did not respond to calls, his Anambra East counterpart in the state assembly, Hon. Obi Calistus Nweke, admitted that government was aware of the road’s condition.
He noted that Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo is currently constructing several other roads in the Omambala axis but urged local government chairmen in Anambra East and West to apply palliative measures pending government’s intervention.
Efforts to get responses from the House of Representatives member for Anambra East and West, Hon. Peter Aniekwe, and Senator representing Anambra North, Tony Nwoye, were unsuccessful as their lines were either unanswered or switched off.
