Residents of Umuokanne and Ohoba communities in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State have appealed to the state government and relevant authorities to rehabilitate a major road linking the communities, saying its deplorable condition has cut them off from healthcare, markets and neighbouring communities.
The residents who spoke exclusively with PUNCH Metro on Saturday said the road, which connects Ohoba, Umuokanne and several other communities in Imo State and neighbouring Rivers State, had been abandoned for more than 15 years after it was last graded.
A resident, Cyril Nokaa, said the road condition had deteriorated to the point where it was no longer motorable, forcing residents and motorists to seek longer alternative routes.
Nokaa said, “The road has been abandoned for many years. There was a time they graded it, but it is over 15 years now. It is a major road connecting Ohoba and Umuokanne, and you can use it to get to Owerri.”
According to him, the poor condition of the road has affected farmers who could no longer easily transport their produce to markets, while residents have also been disconnected from neighbouring communities.
