Rehabilitate Our Failed Roads, Awka Residents Beg Obiano

Some residents of Awka have called on Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State to urgently rehabilitate the failed portions of some roads in Awka, the State capital, to avoid further deterioration.

Mr Obiora Chukwudi made the call during a media briefing, Tuesday, in Awka on behalf of the worried residents.
Chukwudi listed the affected roads to include Chief S.M. Okeke Street, Isiagu-Amikwo Road, Umudioka-Zik’s Avenue Road, Old High Court-Akwata Road, Faith Cathedral-Mosque Street and Emma Nnaemeka/Authur Eze Avenue.

He said that they were particularly worried about Chief S. M. Okeke Street behind the State Ministry of Works premises which connected Ukwuorji on the popular Zik’s Avenue.

“This road is where commercial banks like Zenith Bank, Polaris Bank, UBA and First Bank as well as many other corporate bodies in Awka are located.

“This very important road built between 1999 and 2000 has been in a deplorable state for some time now.

“Regularly vehicles break down on this road due to the failed portions which are now degenerating into bigger holes with the coming of the rains,’’ he said.

Chukwudi however said the residents decided to intensify their effort for the repair of the road following a near-fatal accident involving a nursing mother and her three-month-old baby recently.

“This woman was coming from a hospital with her child and unfortunately, the whole place was flooded due to heavy downpour in Awka last week. She fell into the water with her child.

“It took the intervention of some bystanders to rescue the duo. The situation seriously affected the health of the newborn baby who we gathered is now on admission in a hospital in Awka,’’ he said.

Chukwudi noted that urgent rehabilitation of the roads could save the state capital from imminent flooding and erosion this rainy season.

He also urged the state government to construct a flyover around the Eke Awka Market Roundabout to check the growing gridlock in the area.