Fresh concerns have emerged over the worsening condition of the strategic Okpala–Aboh Mbaise–Aba Branch Road as the member representing Aboh Mbaise State Constituency in the Imo State House of Assembly, Hon. Princewill Ugochukwu Amuchie, has raised an urgent alarm over the deteriorating state of the highway, warning that continued delay in intervention could inflict severe economic and social consequences on thousands of residents and commuters.
The lawmaker, during Wednesday’s plenary of the Imo State House of Assembly, called on Governor Hope Uzodimma to immediately direct the Ministry of Works and Infrastructural Development to compel contractors handling the road reconstruction to carry out emergency palliative works on the most devastated sections while simultaneously accelerating the completion of the project.
The motion, which received the backing of several lawmakers, highlighted the growing danger posed by deep gullies, washed-out portions and impassable stretches that have become a nightmare for motorists, transport operators, traders, farmers and other road users, especially as the rainy season intensifies.
Speaking passionately before the House, Hon. Amuchie acknowledged Governor Uzodimma’s commitment to reviving abandoned infrastructure across the state, describing the reconstruction of the Okpala–Aboh Mbaise–Aba Branch Road as one of the administration’s strategic legacy projects capable of transforming the economy of Mbaise and neighbouring communities.
He, however, cautioned that while construction is ongoing, the worsening condition of several portions of the road requires immediate emergency attention to prevent avoidable accidents, protect lives and sustain commercial activities pending the project’s completion.
The legislator noted that the road serves as one of the busiest gateways into the Mbaise axis and remains a major transportation corridor connecting communities within Imo State and neighbouring states. According to him, prolonged hardship on the route has continued to increase transportation costs, delay the movement of agricultural produce, discourage business activities and inflict untold suffering on residents.
Amuchie further reminded the House that the annual Iri Ji Mbaise Cultural Festival, scheduled for August 15, attracts thousands of visitors, investors, tourists, traditional rulers, political leaders and sons and daughters of Mbaise from across Nigeria and the diaspora.
He warned that allowing the road to remain in its present condition ahead of the internationally celebrated cultural event could create avoidable traffic gridlock, expose visitors to unnecessary hardship and diminish the economic opportunities the festival brings to the area.
The lawmaker maintained that prompt intervention would not only ease the suffering of road users but would also demonstrate government’s responsiveness to the needs of the people and reinforce public confidence in the ongoing infrastructure revolution of the Uzodimma administration.
Consequently, the Governor was urged to mandate the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructural Development to ensure immediate palliative repairs on the worst gully-ravaged sections of the road while directing contractors to intensify construction activities to guarantee speedy completion of the project.
Reaffirming his commitment to effective representation, Hon. Amuchie assured his constituents that he would continue to use every legislative avenue available to attract government attention to issues affecting their welfare.
“The welfare of my people remains my foremost responsibility. I have absolute confidence in Governor Hope Uzodimma because he has consistently demonstrated the political will to respond whenever genuine concerns affecting the people are brought to his attention. I believe this appeal will receive the urgent consideration it deserves,” the lawmaker stated.
