FG abandons deplorable road for 14 years—Hon. Obetta demands justice

DDM News

The House of Representatives, on Thursday, February 20, 2025, witnessed a crucial motion presented by Hon. Chidi Mark Obetta, who represents Nsukka/Igbo-Eze South Federal Constituency.

Nsukka/Igbo-Eze South Federal Constituency is located in Enugu State, Nigeria, comprising Nsukka and Igbo-Eze South Local Government Areas.

It is known for its rich cultural heritage, agricultural activities, and educational institutions, including the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).

According to Diaspora digital media (DDM), the motion highlighted the deplorable condition of the Ogurute-Umuida-Unadu-Akpanya-Odolu Federal Road, which serves as a significant link between Enugu and Kogi States in Nigeria.

Hon. Obetta passionately urged the Federal Government to allocate funds for the immediate construction of the road, which has remained abandoned for several years.

In his presentation, Hon. Obetta emphasized that the contract for the construction of this vital road was awarded fourteen years ago without completion.

Contractors had mobilized to the site with heavy machinery and began preliminary work, including site clearing and earthwork, but failed to finish the project.

Unfortunately, this process led to the excavation of the already existing community-maintained road, leaving it in an even more deplorable state than before.

The project was then abruptly abandoned, forcing the affected communities to struggle with the consequences of a neglected and hazardous route.

Expressing deep concern, Hon. Obetta stated that the abandoned road has exacerbated flooding issues in Obaka Unadu and Ohom Unadu communities in Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area of Enugu State.

The neglect has made the road not only impassable for vehicles and pedestrians but also a significant threat to the lives and properties of rural dwellers in the region.

The federal lawmaker lamented that the continued neglect of this important road has severely impacted economic activities by restricting access to urban markets for farmers and traders.

Farmers cannot transport their agricultural produce to urban markets due to the road’s deplorable condition, which has stifled economic growth and development in the region.

Highlighting the broader implications of the road’s deplorable state, Hon. Obetta underscored the importance of infrastructure in fostering national economic progress and rural development.

The Federal Government’s push to diversify the economy, particularly through agriculture, will be negatively affected if the road remains in a deplorable state without urgent intervention.

He warned that without prompt government action, farmers would continue to experience immense hardships, leading to financial losses, reduced productivity, and increased poverty levels.

The House of Representatives, after deliberating on the motion, acknowledged the critical need for intervention and unanimously resolved to take immediate action on the matter.

The Committees on Works, FERMA, and Rural Development were mandated to collaborate with relevant Federal Ministries and Agencies to investigate the reasons behind the abandonment of the road project.

Additionally, the Committee on Works was directed to engage with the Federal Ministry of Works to ensure that the construction of the road is included in the 2026 budget estimates for necessary implementation.

To guarantee follow-through on these resolutions, the House Committee on Legislative Compliance was assigned the responsibility of monitoring implementation and ensuring accountability from all involved parties.

This step aims to ensure that the necessary measures are taken to address the deplorable condition of the road and to prevent further neglect of such critical infrastructure projects.

Hon. Obetta’s commitment to national development and quality representation remains evident as he continues advocating for improved infrastructure and better living conditions for his constituents.

His motion serves as a testament to his dedication to addressing the pressing needs of the people, particularly in rural areas where infrastructure deficits hinder socio-economic progress and economic mobility.

The deplorable state of the Ogurute-Umuida-Unadu-Akpanya-Odolu Federal Road has long been a source of frustration for residents and commuters who rely on it daily.

Thousands of road users have been stranded and forced to navigate treacherous conditions, suffering from vehicle breakdowns, accidents, and financial losses due to the unmotorable nature of the road.

The economic impact of the road’s neglect extends beyond transportation challenges, as local businesses and traders who rely on the road for the movement of goods have been severely affected.

Market women, artisans, and farmers have voiced their frustrations over the years and have consistently called on the government to intervene in fixing the road.

However, their pleas have largely gone unanswered, leaving them to struggle with the consequences of the road’s deplorable condition, which has remained unchanged for more than a decade.

Residents of the affected communities have expressed renewed hope following Hon. Obetta’s motion, believing that his intervention could finally lead to the long-awaited completion of the road project.

Stakeholders, including community leaders and business owners, have lauded his efforts and urged the Federal Government to act swiftly in releasing funds for the road’s construction.

As the nation continues to focus on infrastructural development, the significance of addressing this issue cannot be overemphasized due to its direct impact on economic growth and rural development.

The need for well-constructed and maintained road networks is crucial for economic growth, security, national progress, and the overall well-being of rural communities across Nigeria.

Hon. Obetta’s motion has once again brought to the forefront the plight of rural dwellers who suffer daily due to poor road infrastructure and government neglect.

His advocacy for the inclusion of the road’s construction in the 2026 budget is a step in the right direction that could lead to significant improvements in transportation and commerce.

If implemented, the construction of this road will enhance connectivity between Enugu and Kogi States, thereby boosting trade, agriculture, and economic activities in the affected areas.

In the coming weeks, all eyes will be on the House Committees tasked with following up on this resolution to ensure that government intervention is secured.

Nigerians, particularly those from the impacted communities, will be watching closely to see if the government will finally prioritize the construction of this long-abandoned road and provide relief to its suffering residents.

Indeed, Hon. Chidi Mark Obetta’s unwavering commitment to quality representation and national development remains evident in his continuous efforts to push for improved infrastructure and better governance.

The fight to restore and complete the deplorable Ogurute-Umuida-Unadu-Akpanya-Odolu Federal Road is far from over, but with sustained pressure and strategic engagement, there is renewed hope for a lasting solution.

Kindly share 🙏

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook