Residents of Imo State have appealed to Governor Hope Uzodinma to use the festive season to fix rural roads to enable those coming home for Christmas and New Year celebrations easy access to their respective communities.
They also maintained that fixing the rural roads will make it easier for rural dwellers and traders to convey their goods and farm produce to the markets.
Residents, who spoke with our correspondent, while commending the governor for fixing some major roads, insisted that fixing rural roads is of high importance owing its economic and social benefits to rural dwellers.
Mazi Desmond Ukachukwu, a native of Obitti autonomous community in Ohaji/ Egbema LGA, noted that most of the roads in the rural areas are in dire need of urgent attention.
He maintained that it is difficult for rural communities to relate with one another due to the poor condition of the roads.
Ukachukwu said the road connecting his community, Obitti and Mgbuishii, is in deplorable condition despite the fact that the two communities are surrounded by different major oil companies exploring mineral resources within the axis.
“It’s just of recent that they started renovating the road connecting Umuapu- Obitti -Awarra road after years of neglect despite the fact that they are the major users of the road,” he said.
Ukachukwu appealed to the construction company handling the road to speed up the project.
Another resident, who gave his name as Uwandu, told our correspondent that Mbieri road to Orji Junction is also in deplorable condition despite myriad of promises made for its repair by successive administrations.
Onuawuchi Agu, a trader, explained that traveling on the local roads is a nightmare, especially when conveying perishable foods to the market.