The Senator representing Enugu-East Senatorial District, Gilbert Nnaji has expressed concern over the state of road networks in Nkanu-East Council Area of the State.
He, however, assured his constituents that arrangements have reached advanced stage for construction work to commence at the seriously dilapidated Ozalla-Agbani-Akpugo-Amagunze-Ihuokpara road.
The road, expected to gulp N2b, expands between Enugu State down to the border towns of Ebonyi State, both of south-east Nigeria.
Nnaji was, however, quick to add that it was “for complete construction and not repair”.
In a statement captioned THE DEPLORABLE CONDITION OF AKPUGO-AMAGUNZE-IHUOKPARA ROAD, signed by Mr. Egbo Mon-Charles, his Legislative Assistant, Public Relations, Nnaji expressed displeasure over “the pains and frustrations of the good people of Amagunze, Ihuokpara and environs over the pitiable state of the federal road linking them with the other parts of the state.”
“It is indeed regrettable that this road which is clearly critical to robust rural economy is currently in that embarrassing condition”, he said.
According to him “I am particularly disturbed that added to the general hardship being experienced in the country, economic and social activities of these rural dwellers who are mostly agrarians are greatly undermined.
“I am further disturbed that out of the 774 local government council headquartres in the country, it is only Nkanu-East of Enugu State that is currently inaccessible to workers and visitors due to this failed portion of the road.
“Equally I am concerned about the obvious plight of the helpless school children and mothers including the sick ones who are being unreasonably cut out of access to schools and medical facilities.
“Agricultural produce from farms rather than getting to where they are needed unfortunately perish thereby compounding the already bad situation.”
On the steps being taken to ameliorate their sufferings he revealed that “these people are not alone in the worries. Our amiable Governor, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, is deeply concerned too about the road going by our recent discussions on it.
“We cannot sleep while the people that defied all odds to get us elected are awake and troubled! It is a complete error!
“Hence on my part as their representative, I have since nominated for complete construction (and not repair) of the OZALLA-AGBANI-AKPUGO-AMAGUNZE-IHUOKPARA ROAD down to our border with Ebonyi State.
“This project is not only captured in the 2017 Budget but arrangements are being perfected with the contractors for this particular very bad portion to receive attention.
“So, while I sympathize with these my people for their sufferings, may I most respectfully appeal for calm and patience just for a little time because transformation is at sight”.
