Residents of Onicha-Ugbo in Aniocha North Local Council of Delta State are calling for urgent intervention from Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and the Niger Delta Development Corporation (NDDC) to address the dilapidated state of the Onicha-Ugbo/Issele-Uku road. This crucial roadway, which connects the village to the local government headquarters in Issele-Uku, has been in disrepair for over two years, severely impacting daily life and commerce.
The deteriorated section opposite Gbonoza Primary School has become nearly impassable for vehicles, motorcycles, and trucks. Local authorities have yet to address the early stages of the road’s deterioration, leaving the community to struggle with worsening conditions.
Resident Ohia Emmanuel Chukwunweike emphasized the road’s importance: “The road in question is the major connecting road between Onicha-Ugbo and Issele-Uku. With the way it is, our parents may find it difficult to go to their farms and Issele-Uku market. We are calling on the NDDC, Delta State Government, and all stakeholders to urgently reconstruct the road with a proper drainage system, so our people can feel the dividend of democracy.”
Local politician Hon. Francis Osedume expressed concern for the community’s students and farmers: “It is disheartening that both students and local farmers cannot access their schools and farms respectively due to the unfortunate nature of this road. I am appealing to the executive Governor of Delta State to kindly help do justice to this road.”
Joyce Iwelumo, a town resident, also pleaded for governmental assistance: “This is a plea as an indigene of Onicha-Ugbo. I’m pleading that our political representatives and the government of our dear state should please come to our aid in fixing the road connecting Onicha-Ugbo and Issele-Uku.”
Sunday Adikwanfu highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting the road’s hazardous condition: “The spot has become an eyesore and needs urgent attention from the authorities. We urge the Government and NDDC to intervene as quickly as possible.”
Chidi Ogwugwua, another concerned resident, underscored the danger posed by the road’s condition: “The sight alone poses danger, and it will be difficult for the community who ply this road daily to traverse without endangering their lives. For these obvious reasons, we plead with the Delta State Government to come to our aid in finding a lasting solution to this problem.”
The residents’ collective appeal highlights the critical need for prompt action to restore this vital infrastructure, ensuring safety and accessibility for the Onicha-Ugbo community.