Anayo Onwuegbu (3 from right) and others during the emergency tour
The Federal Controller of Works in Enugu State, Engr. Smart Emesim has expressed deep shock at the rapid deterioration of the Oji-Awgu Federal Road that has been cut off by a devastating erosion menace.
NewsBits reports that the development has drastically paralyzed vehicular movement along the critical road serving as a major transport link between many affected communities in Oji River and Awgu Local Government Areas of Enugu State. Engr. Emesim attributed the erosion damage to the improper termination of culvert outlets, which accelerated water flow and undermined the structural integrity of the road embankment.
He made the disclosure when the Member representing Aninri/Awgu/Oji River Federal Constituency, Engr. Anayo Onwuegbu and leaders of the two local government areas went on an emergency inspection tour of the road.
NewsBits reports that the joint inspection and assessment emergency your, underscored a united front to push for urgent intervention and long-term solutions to ensure the safe movement of people and goods along the roads. Emesim further said that the affected drainage structures were not included in the original contract awarded to the company that constructed the road.
However, he assured that the Federal Ministry of Works would take swift action and initiate the necessary processes to address the situation with utmost urgency. During the inspection, the delegation assessed and examined four additional locations along the same road corridor that are also under serious threat from aggressive erosion.
NewsBits recalls that the latest development followed Friday night’s heavy rainfall, although the people of the area found out about the devastated and cut-off road early on Saturday. Leader of the delegation, Rt. Hon. Anayo Onwuegbu said that the erosion menace on the roads was very unfortunate and worrisome.
Onwuegbu said that the affected portion of the Oji-Awgu Federal Road had been completely cut off by severe erosion due to the heavy rainfall. The Lawmaker said, “This is barely 48 hours since I raised concerns over the growing threat posed by erosion at the affected road.” Assessing the damaged portion of the road, he pleaded with the Federal Ministry of Works to treat the situation as an emergency.
Onwuegbu, who is a Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), stressed an urgent need for immediate intervention and reconstruction to restore connectivity and lessen the suffering of the people. In his remarks, the Chairman of Oji River Local Government Area, Hon. Greg Anyaegbudike, lauded Onwuegbu for his prompt response to the incident.
Anyaegbudike, who is a Chieftain of the APC, appreciated Onwuegbu for facilitating Emesim’s immediate visit to the site and road. The chairman advised him to continue engaging the Federal Ministry of Works Headquarters in Abuja to secure approval for urgent reconstruction works on the road.
NewsBits reports that the inspection team also included the Member representing Oji River State Constituency in the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Osita Eze, and the Chairman of Awgu Local Government Area, Hon. Uche Okolo, among other political leaders within the area.
