Old Nekede community in Owerri West local government area of Imo State is on the verge of being cut off following gully erosion that has eroded the bridge constructed over one of the major roads leading to the community.
The bridge was constructed by the immediate past administration of Senator Rochas Okorocha on old Nekede road, a community that is home to about 3, 000 residents. It is also the inland roads to new Owerri and new Nekede.
The three roads were constructed over the Orieubi River that strides many communities in Owerri municipality. It is also the major road to the Imo State Zoological Garden.
Motorists, who spoke to our correspondent on the condition of the road, expressed dismay over government inability to attend to the road despite the grave danger it posed to motorists and residents of the area.
A motorist, Innocent Nnamdi, who plies the road regularly, told our correspondent that it’s only God’s grace that no car had plunged into the deep gully.
He said, “The last administration just built a culvert over the river and no sooner than the rains started, it caved in. The danger posed by this deep gully is very serious and I am amazed that government has not given the road a top priority. It is most dangerous at night because there is no warning sign to an oncoming vehicle about the dangers of the road.
Nnamdi appealed to the state government to come to the aid of the community by making quick intervention in the reconstruction of the bridge.
When our correspondent visited the traditional ruler of Nekede Kingdom, Ede of Nekede, Eze Dr Stephen Kemjika Agumanu IV, he was said to have travelled, but a palace sourced told our correspondent that the community had made a representation to the government on the state of the road.
Imo State Commissioner for Works, Engr. Benjamin Ekwueme,
Join Daily Trust WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You.
