Residents of Onicha-Ugbo, a community in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, have raised concerns over the deteriorating condition of the main road connecting their village to the Local Government headquarters in Issele-Uku. The agrarian community is appealing to the Delta State Governor and the Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for urgent intervention.
The worst section of the road, located opposite Gbonoza Primary School, has been in disrepair for over two years. The road has deteriorated to the point of being nearly impassable for vehicles, motorcycles, and trucks. Local authorities have faced criticism for their inaction during the early stages of the road’s deterioration.
One resident emphasized the road’s significance: “The road in question is the major connecting road between Onicha-Ugbo and Issele-Uku. With the way it is, our parents may find it difficult to go to their farms and Issele-Uku market. We are calling on the NDDC, Delta State Government, and all stakeholders to urgently reconstruct the road with a proper drainage system. Let our people feel the dividends of democracy.”
Another community member highlighted the impact on education and agriculture: “It is disheartening that both students and local farmers cannot access their schools and farms respectively due to the unfortunate nature of this road. I am appealing to the executive governor of Delta State to kindly help do justice to this road.”
A plea was also made by another resident: “As an indigene of Onicha-Ugbo, I’m pleading that our political representatives and the government of our dear state should please come to our aid in fixing the road connecting Onicha-Ugbo and Issele-Uku.”
Another resident described the state of the road as an eyesore and urged the authorities to act swiftly: “The spot has become an eyesore and needs urgent attention from the authorities. We urge the government and NDDC to intervene as quickly as possible.”
A concerned local warned of the dangers posed by the road’s condition: “The sight alone poses danger and it will be difficult for the community who ply this road on a daily basis to traverse without endangering their lives. For these obvious reasons, we plead with the Delta State Government to come to our aid in finding a lasting solution to this problem.”
The residents of Onicha-Ugbo remain hopeful that the state government and the NDDC will respond promptly to their appeals, ensuring safe and reliable access for all who depend on this crucial roadway.
