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Motorists in Distress as Onitsha-Owerri Road Deteriorates Just Months After Repairs

Published by Tope Fakinlede on October 23rd, 2024.

Motorists in Distress as Onitsha-Owerri Road Deteriorates Just Months After Repairs

Motorists navigating the Onitsha-Owerri Expressway in Anambra State are facing significant challenges due to the rapid deterioration of the road just five months after its rehabilitation. This vital highway connects the old Niger Bridge to other key regions in the South-East, including Imo, Abia, and Port Harcourt.

A recent visit to the Upper Iweka area revealed the road’s dire condition, with large potholes creating traffic jams and posing safety hazards. Witnesses noted that stagnant water and litter have accumulated in these potholes, exacerbating the situation. These troubled areas have become hotspots for street criminals who exploit the chaos to target unsuspecting road users.

Local residents and drivers reported that the road was rehabilitated in May 2024, just before the rainy season, following years of neglect. Despite this work, the heavy rains have caused the repairs to wash away, leaving the road in a state of disrepair once again.

Chibuike Uzor, Vice-Chairman of the South-East Drivers Welfare Union, expressed frustration over the situation, stating that the return of street urchins and extortionists to the area is a direct consequence of the road’s poor condition. He emphasized the need for a long-term solution to prevent further degradation.

Other road users echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the economic importance of the Onitsha-Owerri route for local commerce. They urged the government to investigate the construction firm responsible for the recent rehabilitation, citing the quick return of dangerous potholes as evidence of substandard work.

Kevin Okeke, another motorist, criticized the use of taxpayer money on repairs that have proven ineffective, calling attention to the ongoing extortion at military checkpoints along the route.

In response to these concerns, Ifeanyi Okoma, the state Commissioner for Works, acknowledged the issue and requested additional information. Meanwhile, a source from the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) confirmed that the recent work was done in collaboration with funding from the Presidential Recovered Funds, underscoring the need for accountability in future projects.