The Abia State House of Assembly (ABSHA ) has urged the Federal Government to expedite the repair of the Ikot Ekpene-Umudike Road.
In a resolution passed during its Plenary session today in Umuahia, the Assembly unanimously called on the State Government to fix the Olokoro-Amaoba Road. This measure aims to alleviate the heavy traffic on the Ikot Ekpene-Umudike Road while awaiting the Federal Government’s complete reconstruction of the route.
The resolution was prompted by a motion put sponsored by Hon. Boniface Isienyi, who represents the Ikwuano State Constituency.
In his proposal, Isienyi emphasized the economic significance of restoring the Olokoro-Amaoba Road, which would provide an alternative route to the Ikot Ekpene-Umudike Road and help ease the difficulties encountered by commuters.
"My constituents, along with those from Umuahia South, who are mainly farmers, endure significant challenges when transporting their produce to Umuahia for sale due to the severe traffic on the Ikot Ekpene-Umudike Road.
"Restoring the Olokoro-Amaoba Road will alleviate the hardships faced by my constituents, students, and employees of federal institutions in the area, as well as other daily commuters," stated Hon. Isienyi.
Following support from other members for the motion, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Emmanuel Emeruwa approved Isienyi’s request, expressing confidence in the state's ongoing initiatives to enhance rural road infrastructure.
"I recognize that the state has been making significant progress on rural roads, and I am confident that they will soon tackle areas such as the Olokoro-Amaoba Road. We urge the Federal Government to take swift action on the Ikot Ekpene-Umudike Road and call on the state to also address the Olokoro-Amaoba Road. All those in favor, say 'aye.' Aye. The ayes have it," Emeruwa said.
The discussion and review of the report on H.A.B 17: The Abia State Rural Access Roads Agency Bill, 2024, sponsored by Majority Leader Hon. Uchenna Okoro, has been postponed to a later legislative session. The House has adjourned its plenary session and is scheduled to reconvene on Tuesday, October 22, 2024.
Previous reports have indicated that both the Ikot Ekpene-Ikwuano Road and the Olokoro-Amaoba Road have turned into death traps, with many people losing cherished family members and friends in fatal accidents due to the poor road conditions.
Drivers encounter significant challenges when trying to navigate the deteriorating road.
