By Odikpo Mmeze
The member representing Anambra East and West Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, Hon. Peter Aniekwe (Macpee) has called on the Federal Government to urgently fix the Otuocha-Anam-Nzam-Innoma-Iheaka-Ibaji- Ajegwu Federal road.
Hon. Aniekwe, in a motion he moved at the Green Chambers, said the repairs had become necessary to save the agricultural produce from the farming communities along the road from damaging as well as reduce travel time from the southeast to Abuja.
Aniekwe bemoaned the state of the road, explaining that the road had so dilapidated that communities sharing the road and commuters using it experience untold hardship as a result of its bad nature. He pleaded with the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, to recognise the obvious significance of the road.
According to him, the road is not only a strategic and a fast link between Anambra and Kogi states, but also one that occupied an important place in the nation’s food and agricultural sector. He explained that its relevance could be appreciated more now, “that the citizens are going through hard times”.
Meanwhile, the Federal road, spans about 88 kilometres from Anambra to Lokoja and will serve as an alternative and shortest route from the Southeast to Abuja and to other northern states.
Aniekwe attributed the abandonment of the road to lack of funds. He said, “Rehabilitation of this road has been in lethargic state. In fact, it has suffered unprecedented setback, leaving the road in a deplorable condition.
“The effect of the neglect has regrettably resulted in not giving the people of the area a good sense of belonging as well as denying the people opportunities and privileges accorded fellow agrarian communities in the country.
“The condition of the road provided opportunities for insecurity, armed robbery and kidnappings all of which pose serious threats to the lives of the communities and others that use the road. The 25 communities in Anambra and Kogi states were directly affected by the poor state of the road, are predominantly agrarian that contribute significantly to the nation’s agricultural sector. 80 percent of agricultural produce in the affected communities often got damaged, especially during flooding season.”
Following the resolutions of the House of Representatives on the road, the Federal Ministry of Works was implored to quickly collaborate with the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to kick start the rehabilitation of the road. Also the Committee on Legislative Compliance has been mandated to ensure strict adherence to this resolution.
