Residents lament as bad road isolates Imo communities

Residents of Umuokanne and Ohoba communities in Imo State's Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area are appealing for urgent government intervention to rehabilitate a critical road that has left them isolated. The deplorable condition of the road, which links these communities to each other and to neighboring Rivers State, has effectively cut off access to healthcare, markets, and other essential services for over 15 years.

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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.

Cyril Nokaa, a resident, described the road as impassable, forcing motorists to take significantly longer alternative routes. "The road has been abandoned for many years. It is a major road connecting Ohoba and Umuokanne, and you can use it to get to Owerri," he said, lamenting that the road was last graded over 15 years ago.

The impact on the local economy is severe, with farmers unable to transport their produce to markets. "We are farmers, and we have farm produce, so we cannot go to the market again because of the bad nature of the road," Nokaa stated. Access to healthcare has also been compromised; residents previously relied on the Umuokanne General Hospital, which is now difficult to reach due to the road's condition.

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We are farmers, and we have farm produce, so we cannot go to the market again because of the bad nature of the road. It is not something to write home about.

Compounding these issues are growing security concerns. The road's abandonment has created a haven for criminals, leading to increased incidents of kidnapping and robbery. "Due to the nature of that road, bad elements have taken advantage of robbing people. If you eventually take that road, something can happen to you, you can be kidnapped," Nokaa warned.

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Due to the nature of that road, bad elements have taken advantage of robbing people. If you eventually take that road, something can happen to you, you can be kidnapped.

Community leader Ekeruo Promise highlighted the road's historical significance as an "interconnectivity road" linking numerous communities across Imo and Rivers states, including Obinze, Oforola, Mgbishii, Obitti, Mgbirichi, Umuagwo, and parts of Rivers State. The neglect of this vital artery has disrupted social ties and economic activities that once thrived along its path.

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The road we are talking about is an ancient road. Through that road, we have intermarried and gone so far in life. That road is an interconnectivity road, a road th