A prominent Investment Banker and Former Chief of Staff to the Abia State Governor, Chief Mascot Uzor Kalu has called for quick government intervention in addressing the state of the Federal roads in the South East. He made this call based on the growing complaints of motorists who ply the Ofeme junction axis in Umuahia and other major roads in the South East. His concern was not just about the bad state of the roads but also the opportunity it gives hoodlums to attack innocent citizens. Beyond the various palliatives that various communities try to put together; he has requested the relevant government ministries to come to the aid of the people.
These are his words – “The principle that guides every government must be to give priority to the key infrastructures within their purview. The road network, security and other allied matters must be given the full attention that it deserves. Beyond the fact that it aids free movement of people and goods across the country; it can directly impact on the economy of the nation.’’ He decried the fact that most motorists have to take alternative routes which makes the journey longer and more burdensome on commuters.
As part of the strategy to fix the roads, he advised that enough money should be voted for capital projects especially the ones that directly impact on the people. He said that the dividends of democracy must be felt by everyone irrespective of their social status. Chief Mascot Uzor Kalu commended the various communities that have tried to give succour to those who ply the roads. Although, the filling of the pot holes and other community effort might not permanently address the challenge; it shows that people are willing to work for the good of their various communities.
In a similar vein, he said – ‘’The security agencies must be on high alert based on the risk that people face when they ply the road. He stated that a lot has to be done to ensure that lives are not lost due to the negligence of any security agent’’.
Chief Mascot buttressed the need to create a workable system that enables each tax payer to reap the dividends of this statutory civic duty. He called on people in the legislative arm of the government to lend their voice in helping to make bad roads a thing of the past in the country. He stated that there is a consensus on the part of the citizens to do their part to support the activities of any government that meets their basic needs.
Furthermore, he urged every motorist to apply the necessary precaution especially during the rainy season. In his words – ‘’There are rules that must be applied even when we do not have the perfect road conditions. Motorists must ensure that their cars are in good order and they must observe all the safety rules when they are on the highway.’’
He reiterated that the sanctity of human life must be the driving factor for every stakeholder. He has confidence that the current government will fix the roads. He therefore urged the personnel in both ministry and various key offices to take charge and ensure these roads are fixed.
In conclusion, he stated that –‘’There is nothing that cannot be done when we have the right individuals driving the core areas that directly impact on the citizens. I believe that the collective responsibility of leadership must be to build a legacy that outlives them. The conditions of these roads are as a result of many years of neglect by successive administrations of the federal government, I believe this administration will work hard to fix these roads”
