.Pledges Zero Tolerance for Potholes in Imo State

The newly constituted board of the Imo Road Maintenance Agency (IROMA) under the leadership of Barr. Kingsley Ononuju, yesterday February 5th, 2025, just days after formal inauguration by His Excellency Governor Hope Uzodimma, held its first official meeting.

The meeting was to outline an ambitious plan to maintain both urban and rural roads across Imo State.

Speaking at the meeting, Barr. Ononuju emphasized the agency’s commitment to achieving Governor Hope Uzodimma’s vision of Zero Tolerance for Potholes.

In his opening remarks, Barr. Kingsley Ononuju highlighted the importance of their mandate, noting that their work would not only enhance road infrastructure but also improve safety, reduce vehicle maintenance costs, and stimulate economic growth across the state.

“Our assignment is clear: Ensure that every road in Imo State remains in good condition, with zero tolerance for potholes,” he stated. “This mission is not just about fixing roads; it is about maintaining the investments already made by the administration of His Excellency Governor Hope Uzodimma, and ensuring our people enjoy safe and accessible roads.”

Unlike its predecessor, the Imo Rural Roads Maintenance Agency (IRROMA) under former Governor Ikedi Ohakim, which focused only on rural roads, IROMA has a broader mandate. The new agency is tasked with maintaining both urban and rural roads across the state’s 27 local government areas.

To achieve this, the board announced the implementation of a statewide monitoring and rapid response system. Key components of this system include:

  • Appointment of Road Monitors in Each LGA – A dedicated monitor will be assigned to each local government area to track road conditions and report issues.
  • Dedicated Communication Channels – Hotlines and WhatsApp numbers will be provided for citizens to report road damage, supported by geotagged images and videos for verification.
  • Road Inspection Task Force – A special team will conduct on-site visits to verify reports and ensure timely maintenance work.

While Governor Uzodimma has assured IROMA of necessary equipment for road maintenance, the agency is taking immediate steps to commence work. These include:

  • Recovery of Misappropriated Equipment – Efforts will be made to reclaim maintenance equipment acquired by past administrations but either abandoned or stolen.
  • Leasing Equipment – Until the new machinery arrives, IROMA may lease road maintenance equipment from private contractors.
  • Securing Work Vehicles – Temporary arrangements will be made to provide mobility for field teams.

The board also addressed logistical challenges at its newly allocated office at Ahiajoku Centre, highlighting the need for electricity, water supply, and enhanced security measures to prevent vandalism.

Recognizing that road maintenance requires collective effort, IROMA plans to engage local communities, business leaders, and transport unions in its mission. The agency proposed to hold stakeholder meetings with:

  • Local Government Chairmen to identify priority roads.
  • Traditional Rulers (Ndi Eze) and Town Unions to understand community needs.
  • Private Sector Players to explore sponsorship of road maintenance projects.

Additionally, IROMA aims to provide part-time jobs to youths across communities for regular desilting of drainage systems, a critical step in preserving roads, particularly during the rainy season.

The agency also intends to seek partnerships with international organizations, including the World Bank and the African Development Bank, to secure additional funding—all of which are subject to approval from Governor Uzodimma.

IROMA’s ultimate goal is to establish a sustainable system that ensures road maintenance continues beyond the current administration. According to Barr. Ononuju while speaking to newsmen, the agency will adopt preventive maintenance strategies, utilize technology for real-time monitoring, and implement accountability measures to enhance efficiency.

“There is no state in the federation with a specialized road maintenance agency like IROMA,” Ononuju stated. “This team is made up of experts in the field, engineers and professionals. This speaks to Governor Hope Uzodimma’s commitment to excellence. We have been given the trust of the government and the people of Imo State. We must not fail them.”

With a clear mandate, strategic plans, and an unwavering commitment to service, IROMA has officially hit the ground running, determined to make Imo’s roads safer and more durable for all.