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Road users including commuters, tricycle operators who ply the old Oruruka road, have expressed worry over the deplorable state of a spot around Radio Nigeria, Pacesetter FM, Amakama, Umuahia, advancing towards the FMC Housing Estate.
The road users decried that despite several appeals to the state government for real palliative or complete work on the said spot, nothing concrete has been done to fix it apart from dropping red mud on the spot while it continues to be a nightmare and death trap for road users.
They also cried out to the Abia State Government, stressing that criminal elements are now capitalizing on the deplorable state of the spot to rob people of their belongings, in some cases snatch vehicles or keke, echoing that it could get worse if nothing is done urgently.
A youth of Ikputu who gave his name as Emeka Nkem while interacting with Southeastposts, said there has been several appeals from his community as well as those who ply the road on daily basis, emphasising that the spot around Pacesetter FM is giving commuters and other road users sleepless nights.
Nkem, who admitted that though the Ururuka road in its entirety is not in a deplorable condition, palliative work should be carried out on identified spots, stressing that criminal elements are capitalizing on the bad spot to unleash mayhem on innocent Abians plying the road.
He said, “It’s not that the road is entirely bad, it is just that spot towards the Pacesetter area that is a source of worry and concern to motorists, Keke operators among other people. When it rains, the place is usually covered with water and a novice plying the road for the first time, will not notice how bad the spot is. This has happened severally and you see motorists spending long hours repairing their vehicles.”
“I recall an incident last year December when a certain driver on top speed, unknowingly entered the bad spot. This caused heavy damage to his car. He had to abandon his care till the following day because it was already late. There has been countless experiences. The truth is that portion of the road is very bad and requires quick fix.”
On her part, Mrs. Uchichi Kanu, a trader, narrated her experiences, saying that the bad portion gives motorists and passengers nightmares when approaching the spot. She added that due to the deplorable state of the spot, it becomes compulsory for all, except pedestrians to completely slow down unless the driver wants to damage his vehicle .
According to her, this also makes it very possible for miscreants to attack vehicles, Keke operators and rob them of their belongings. She added, “For some of us doing business, it is a nightmare for us. We carry cash around so whenever we get there, I usually intensify prayers, asking God not to allow miscreants strike.The road is indeed bad.”
Mrs. Kanu who noted that the Ururuka road is not entirely bad, appealed to the Governor Alex Otti led administration in the State to fix the bad spot, adding that there is also another bad portion of the road around Umunkpeyi in Isiala Ngwa South LGA of the State.
Also speaking, Uba Clinton, an indigene of Nsulu in Isiala Ngwa North LGA of the State who is conversant with the poor State of the spot, said several appeals have been made but all seem to have fallen on deaf ears, emphasizing that criminal elements now wait for their preys at odd hours, rob them of their belongings.
Uba also revealed that apart from the spot near Pacesetter FM, the road entirely should be reconstructed. He stated that towards Umuala area, there are also several bad spots that motorists and other road users find difficult to assess, adding that same situation is also encountered around Umunkpeyi, a road project started by the immediate past administration but was abandoned.
“Umuala junction by Ururuka road, leading to the proposed Abia Airport site is worse than the one at pacesetter FM. There has been several appeals for authorities to do the needful, but no help seem to be on the well.”
He once again called on the Abia Ministry of Works and other relevant authorities to swing into action, pointing out that the people are suffering on daily basis due to the deplorable state of these vital spots.
Meanwhile, efforts to get the response of the Abia State Ministry of Environment, did not yield positive results as the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry Mr. Izuchukwu Onwughara, said he was not permitted to speak on the matter.
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