By Odita Sunday
Residents of Onicha-Ugbo in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State have raised the alarm over the worsening condition of the Onicha-Ugbo/Issele-Uku road, appealing to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Aniocha North Local Government Area Chairman and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for urgent intervention to rescue the only major access route into their community.
The agrarian town, known for its farming activities and local market participation, is gradually becoming cut off due to the deplorable state of the road, particularly at a failed section opposite Gbonoza Primary School.
The spot, which has remained in disrepair for over two years, is now virtually impassable, affecting transportation for residents, schoolchildren, traders, and farmers.
Local sources revealed that despite early signs of deterioration, authorities in the local council reportedly failed to act, allowing the situation to worsen to its current critical state.
Speaking to The Guardian, a resident, Ohai Emmanuel Chukwunweike, stressed the importance of the road, describing it as a lifeline for the people.
“The road in question is the major connecting stretch between Onicha-Ugbo and Issele-Uku.
“As it is, our parents may find it difficult to go to their farms and the Issele-Uku market.
“We are calling on the NDDC, the Delta State government, and all stakeholders to urgently reconstruct the road with a proper drainage system. Let our people feel the dividend of democracy”, he said.
Grassroots politician and community member, Francis Osedume, echoed the concerns, lamenting the impact on education and agriculture.
“It is disheartening that both students and local farmers cannot access their schools and farms due to the unfortunate nature of this road,” he said.
Another native of the community, Joyce Iwelumo, made an emotional appeal to political representatives and state officials, urging them to live up to their responsibilities.
“I’m pleading that our political representatives and the government of our dear state should come to our aid and fix the road connecting Onicha-Ugbo and Issele-Uku,” she said.
Sunday Adikwanfu, also a resident, described the scene as an “eyesore” and warned that continued neglect could lead to complete disconnection of the community from neighboring towns.
Another resident said: “This road has been like this for the past few years, but I believe we can handle the problem ourselves, even if the government doesn’t want to look into it. It’s our own, we can’t leave it like this. There’s is an everlasting solution to that, it will only cost money.”
Another, Osemene Victor said, “Since my secondary school days in St Stephens mixed secondary school this road has been like this and up till now it is still like this.”
As the rainy season deepens, residents fear that the condition of the road will deteriorate further unless swift action is taken.
They are hoping that their call for help will draw immediate attention from Governor Oborevwori, NDDC Chairman Mr. Chiedu Ebie, and other relevant authorities.
