Ugochinyere warns Uzodimma against abandoning Umuchima gully erosion project

By Emmanuel Iheaka

The member representing Ideato Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, has cautioned Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State that his constituents will not forgive him if the ongoing work at the Umuchima gully erosion site is abandoned.

The gully erosion, which has plagued the Umuchima community in Ideato South Local Government Area for years, has cut off the vital Orlu-Akokwa-Uga-Ekwulobia road, displacing families and burying around 30 houses, including that of a retired justice.

Two months ago, Ugochinyere’s relentless advocacy led to the federal government awarding a contract to address the erosion crisis. Work on the site is progressing, with the contractors nearly completing the sand filling of an access road.

During a visit to the site on Wednesday, Ugochinyere informed his constituents that the Imo State government had written to the federal authorities, expressing interest in taking over the project. While he welcomed the state’s involvement, he warned that the people would not tolerate abandonment of the project once the state assumes control.

“This project was neglected for a long time, and it was through our advocacy that the federal government took action. Now, work has progressed significantly, and we expect it to be completed soon. However, if Governor Hope Uzodimma takes over and abandons it, our people will not forgive him,” Ugochinyere said.

He urged the governor to ensure the timely completion of the project, adding, “It doesn’t matter who completes the work—what matters is that our people deserve a good road. But our people will not accept a situation where the state takes over and leaves the job unfinished, especially with the rainy season coming.”

The site engineer for Rock View Construction Company, Friday Okorobia, confirmed that the road would be ready for light vehicles by the end of November, stating that only 20 percent of the gully work remains.

In his remarks, the President General of Umuchima Community, Mr. Nelson Ejike Opara, expressed gratitude to Ugochinyere, saying, “Our community will never forget Ikenga Ugochinyere for coming to our rescue. Even if the state government takes over, history will remember that Ikenga laid the foundation for this project.”