Residents of Ogwu, Obollo-Afor, Umuitodo, Ibenda and Obollo-Eke communities in Udenu local government area of Enugu state have cried out to their council chairman, Hon. Aka Eze Aka and the state governor, Barr. Peter Mbah over the deplorable state of their roads.
The communities under the aegis of The Concerned Citizens of the Ogwu Obollo Afor – Umuitodo -Obollo Eke in a letter entitled “An Open Letter to the Chairman of Udenu Local Government Area” and made available to our reporter explained that “farmers, who form the backbone of our local economy, face Herculean tasks in transporting their produce to the major markets in Obollo Afor.”
The communities through their spokesperson, Lawrence Vitus wrote, thus, “We, the undersigned residents and concerned citizens of the communities along the Ogwu Obollo Afor – Umuitodo – Ibenda – Obollo Eke Road corridor, extend our congratulations to you on the occasion of your first year in office. Your ascension to this role was met with significant hope, a sentiment echoed in your administration’s stated commitment to “Accelerated Growth and Phenomenal Progress.”
“It is with this hope in mind that we write to you today. We seek to bring your urgent attention to the profound infrastructural deficits that continue to plague our communities, hindering economic activities, compromising welfare, and stifling the potential of thousands of your constituents.
“The state of the 19.8KM road connecting Ogwu Obollo Afor, Umuitodo, Ibenda, and Obollo Eke is the most critical of our concerns. For decades, this road has been a source of immense hardship. It serves as a vital economic artery, yet it remains largely impassable, especially during the rainy season. This directly impacts the lives of citizens across approximately 40 polling units located along this route, representing a significant portion of the local electorate.”
The residents also narrated that “farmers, who form the backbone of our local economy, face Herculean tasks in transporting their produce to the major markets in Obollo Afor. The treacherous paths lead to post-harvest losses, reduced profit margins, and diminished enthusiasm for agricultural enterprise.
” Key markets in the area, including Nkwo Chukwu in Umuitodo Ulo and Obollo Eke market, have remained stunted due to the lack of major access roads. These markets hold the potential to become thriving commercial hubs but are currently limited by the difficulty of access for traders and customers from surrounding areas.
” The poor road network severely limits access to healthcare and education. Residents in dire need of medical attention often find it difficult to reach hospitals, while schoolchildren and teachers face daily struggles commuting. This inaccessibility effectively denies communities the dividends of democracy and good governance.
“We acknowledge and commend the initial steps taken by your administration to address this long-standing issue. As widely reported, you authorized the commencement of work on this very road, a move that was hailed as “the most audacious infrastructural stride since 1996”. We also note with appreciation the pledge of support from the Enugu State Government, under Governor Peter Mbah, for such grassroots projects.
“However, as you mark this one-year milestone, the communities along this corridor are anxious to see this critical project move from commencement to completion. The hope that was ignited must not be allowed to dim. The transformative potential of this road—connecting lives, dreams, and futures, as you yourself have stated—is yet to be fully realized.”
Explaining the ruinous state of other infrastructural facilities in the area, the group wrote that “many health centers in the area are in a state of disrepair, lacking basic equipment and amenities.
“This forces residents to undertake perilous journeys to Obollo Afor or beyond for even minor medical issues.
“Several public schools suffer from inadequate classroom blocks, a lack of teaching materials, and poor sanitation facilities, creating an environment that is not conducive to learning.”
Nevertheless, appealing to both local and local governments, the group further wrote, “Honourable Chairman, your first year in office has laid a foundation. As you look to the future, we most earnestly appeal to you to:
“Re-prioritize and expedite the completion of the Obollo Eke – Ibenda – Okpakerekere – Ogwu Obollo Afor Road.
“Allocate specific resources in your 2025 budget, the “Budget of Accelerated Growth,” for the comprehensive rehabilitation of primary healthcare centers and public schools within this corridor .
“Include our communities in your administration’s rural electrification projects and other developmental programs to ensure holistic growth.
“We believe that your administration has the will and the vision to bring about the phenomenal progress you have promised. We look forward to witnessing a tangible transformation in our communities within the second year of your tenure.
If our request is not granted anytime soon, we will have no option than to show the world our condition with hope for help.”
In any case, the state government has reaffirmed its commitment on the provision of accessible roads, quality health care and other infrastructure.
The state governor, Barr. Peter Mbah in a function recently assured the people of the state on good road network, quality healthcare and other infrastructural facilities in the state.