In view of the motion moved by the Member Representing Mbaitoli State Constituency, Hon. Innocent Ikpamezie, the Imo State House of Assembly has urged the Commissioner for Works to immediately commence rehabilitation and reconstruction of the Akwakuma Roundabout/Egbeada – Orlu old road, and the Umunyeali Timber Market Road/Ama Wire Orji Road, to prevent further damage to the Owerri-Orlu road due to the effect of the flooding.
In other to ensure free flow of rain water in this rainy season, they also urged for the Ministry to ensure prompt removal of debris and sands blocking the “Collect Water Drainage” at the roundabout.
The motion which was presented by Ikpamezie on Thursday was seconded by the Ikeduru lawmaker, Hon. Johnleoba Iheoha, and co-sponsored by nine other legislators.
Speaking, the Mbaitoli representative, Ikpamezie stated that as the House Committee Chairman on Environment, that most times he moves around with members of the committee to see what is going on around the vicinities.
He pointed out that on one of such occasions, they discovered that the Owerri-Orlu road constructed by Governor Hope Uzodimma is gradually getting dilapidated due to the effect of flooding in the aforementioned axis.
The flooding he said is as a result of the topography of the Umunyeali road which due to it’s sloppy nature has been pushing down debris and sand to the said road, which has blocked the Collect Water Drainage at the roundabout thereby leading to high level of flood whenever it rains.
This he pointed out is gradually damaging the road, and so should be urgently tackled.
According to him, “The current State of the Akwakuma Roadabout/Egbeada-Orlu old Road and the Umunyeali Timber Market Road/Ama Wire Orji Road is deplorable, lacking proper drainage systems, which has led to persistent flooding that affects adjoining roads including the Owerri-Orlu Road.
“The accumulation of floodwater and sediments from these adjoining roads has blocked the “Collect Water Drainage” at Akwakuma Roaundabout, posing a significant threat to the structural integrity and longevity of the newiy constructed Owerri-Orlu Road.
“The Akwakuma Roundabout/Egbeada-Orlu Old Road and Umunyeali Timber Market Road/Ama Wire Orii Road are vital access roads linking various communities in Mbaitoli and Owerri North to the newly constructed Owerri-Orlu Road which is one of the best infrastructural achievements of the present administration, led by His Excellency, Distinguished Senator (Dr.) Hope Uzodimma, Governor of Imo State, ‘Ikpamezie stated.
He therefore averred that the timely rehabilitation and reconstruction of these roads will prevent further degradation of the Owerri-Orlu Road, protect public infrastructure, and ensure continued ease of transportation for the citizens.
Supporting the motion was the Deputy Chief Whip, Rt. Hon. Kelechi Ofurum who appreciated the lawmaker for bringing up such issue which he said has been brought to his notice by his people.
Saying that there is need for it to be urgently attended to, Ofurum pointed out that the users of the road are seriously lamenting, as a little rain drop in that area obstructs movement due to high level of flooding.
Adding his voice, the Isu legislator, Hon. Kingsley Ozurumba said that what is happening there is better imagined than discussed.
Confirming that the topography of the Umunyeali road slops down to akwakuma thereby moving debris and sand to the roundabout whenever it rains, pointed out that there is need for two drainages to be put in place along that axis so as to control the flooding.
Also contributing, the Deputy Minority Leader, Rt. Hon. Clinton Amadi who stated that prevention is better than cure, asserted that it is pertinent for the ministry of works to immediately tackle the situation for the sake of the people.
The Orlu lawmaker, Hon. Barr. Ikenna Ihezuo, suggested for the Balloon Technology type of drainage to be constructed there, and channelled towards a river which is called – Nwaorie River. This according to him will be a permanently solution to the problem.
Others who supported the motion were Ikeduru lawmaker, Hon. Johnleoba Iheoha, Deputy Majority Leader, Hon. Sam Osuji, and Nkwerre legislator, Hon. Chisom Ojukwu.
As there was no one against the motion, it was put to vote, and the Ayes had it.
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