Communities in the Ngor Okpala Local Government Area of Imo State have decried the deplorable state of the roads in the area which they said was causing them untold hardship.
The communities, which spoke through the sociocultural organization in Ngor Okpala, known as the Ngor Okpala Renaissance League, lamented that the challenge had also created economic and educational problems for residents of the communities.
A leader of the organization, Dr. Ibe Nwoko, who spoke to newsmen, frowned at what he called “dishonest political brigandage”.
He noted how he and others had gone to pay a courtesy visit to the Chairman of Ngor Okpala Council of Traditional Rulers, but got stuck in pool water in the road.
“We had to pull off our shoes and sockings to wade through the waters. There is no road 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 roadw 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”, Dr. Nwoko said.
He listed the affected roads in the area to 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; and Umuchie – Obokwe – Alulu Road and Eziama – Ntu – Amala Road.
Nwoko noted with disappointment that no meaningful road infrastructure has been constructed in Ngor Okpala since 1999 despite having series of elected senators and other legislators who represented both at the federal and state levels.
He also expressed disappointment that politicians would make their promises to the electorate during their campaigns, only to turn their backs at the people when they are elected.
“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 said.
“Ngor Okpala should be declared a disaster area.
“We thought that the present governor of the state, Sen. Hope Uzodimma could have been fair to the people of the area since he and his party has large followership from the local government.
“However, what we are seeing shows the contrary. It is unfortunate”, he lamented.
