By Gift Chapi Odekina
The House of Representatives have urged the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to undertake urgent rehabilitations and/or reconstructions of the Road, especially the Umuchima–Ideato–Orlu axis.
These resolutions followed a motion moved on the floor during plenary in Abuja.
Moving the motion, Rep. Pascal Obi noted that Owerri-Orlu-ldeato-Uga-Ekwulobia-Nnewi-Awka Federal Road which is a major link between lmo and Anambra States is currently in a bad state.
He also noted that the previous Administration in Imo State undertook major engineering and construction
works on the road, and for which the current Administration in the State has renewed through its Ministry of Works.
The lawmaker expressed concerned that excessive rainfalls in 2021 have created flooding, leading to the collapse of certain sections of the Federal Road from the boundary of the Orlu Local Government Council in Imo State to the Umuchima–Obiohia and other ldeato South sections of the road.
“Worried that the damage which resulted from excessive flooding has severed access from the Owerri–Orlu section into the Ideato North/Ideato South Federal Constituency, and from the Nnewi/Awka–Ekwulobia–Uga Section through Ideato–into the Owerri–Orlu sections, as well as the Umuchima -Obioha axis in Ideato North/ldeato South Federal Constituency of Imo State.
“Also worried that the situation has caused a displacement of houses and villages, thus resulting in a humanitarian crisis in Ideato North /Ideato South Federal Constituency of Imo State, “he said.
Pascal further worried that due to the current situation, floods have caused further deterioration of the erosion in Ideato North/ldeato South Federal Constituency, and caused untold hardship for the inhabitants and commuters.
The House to this end referred the matter to its committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to ensure compliance.
