The collapsed section of the Oji River–Achi–Awgu Federal Road caused by severe gully erosion following heavy rainfall in Enugu State.
From Maurice Okafor, Enugu
A major section of the Oji River–Achi–Awgu Federal Road in Enugu State has collapsed following a torrential downpour that began late on Friday, May 29, and continued into the early hours of Saturday, May 30.
The road, which links communities in Enugu State with parts of Abia and Ebonyi states, was reportedly weakened by a long-standing gully erosion site located between Egwu-Achi and Nmaku-Awgu communities. The erosion had been identified and repeatedly highlighted as a threat but was allegedly neglected by relevant authorities.
Before the collapse, the road had already been threatened by a wide and deep gully that posed serious risks to motorists and commuters who use the route daily. Although no lives were lost, the deteriorating condition of the road had significantly affected transportation, particularly for commercial buses engaged in interstate travel.
Investigations revealed that the road cut-off has dealt a major blow to economic and commercial activities among communities in Achi and Inyi in Oji River Local Government Area, as well as Awgu communities that rely on the route to conduct business. Traders from these areas traditionally travel every four market days to Orie Awgu and Ekegbo Achi markets to buy and sell goods.
The situation has become more challenging as traders and other road users are now forced to take alternative routes through Udi and Ozalla Junctions along the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway, covering an estimated additional distance of more than 70 kilometres to access Orie Awgu and neighbouring communities.
Findings further indicated that an intervention initiated by concerned residents to prevent the disaster was allegedly frustrated by some local authorities.
The residents had proposed a self-help project aimed at raising funds through voluntary contributions to reconstruct the damaged portions of the road and address the growing gully erosion.
Speaking with this reporter, Hon. Ugo Omere, one of the facilitators of the initiative, said the group was compelled to suspend the project after government authorities assured them that urgent intervention would be undertaken.
However, the promised intervention never materialised, leaving the road vulnerable to further damage from the current rainy season, which eventually resulted in the complete collapse of the affected section.
Meanwhile, the member representing Aninri/Awgu/Oji River Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Engr. Anayo Onwuegbu, visited the site and appealed to the Federal Ministry of Works to commence immediate reconstruction of the damaged portions of the road.
According to him, restoring the road will reconnect neighbouring communities and revive the economic and commercial activities that depend heavily on the route.
The Federal Controller of Works in Enugu State, Engr. Emesim Smart Bobby, who accompanied the lawmaker during the inspection, explained that the drainage system was not included in the original contract awarded for the construction of the road.
Also speaking during the visit, the Chairmen of Oji River and Awgu Local Government Areas, Hon. Greg Anyaegbudike and Hon. Uche Okolo, commended Hon. Onwuegbu for his prompt assessment of the situation alongside officials of the Federal Ministry of Works.
They appealed to the lawmaker to use his office to facilitate urgent approval for reconstruction work to begin on the failed section of the road.
The member representing Oji River Constituency in the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Osita Ezeh, was also part of the inspection team.
Checks by The Authority Newspaper indicate that the absence of adequate drainage infrastructure along the Achi-Awgu Federal Road has contributed significantly to the formation of gullies that threaten the safety and livelihoods of rural residents.
Residents are now looking to Hon. Engr. Anayo Onwuegbu, FNSE, to champion efforts aimed at securing the rehabilitation of the road.
As a Federal Trunk A road, the Oji River–Achi–Awgu highway remains a critical transportation corridor connecting the three local government areas of Aninri, Awgu and Oji River. It also serves as an important gateway to several communities in Abia and Ebonyi states, facilitating commerce, movement and cultural interactions.
Stakeholders have also urged the local government authorities in Awgu, Oji River and Aninri to play a more active role in preserving the road by ensuring that feeder roads linking rural communities to the highway are regularly graded and provided with adequate drainage channels.
According to observers, proper maintenance of these Trunk C roads, which fall under the responsibility of local government councils, would help control runoff water and reduce erosion-related damage to the federal highway.
