Residents of Chokocho-Okehi in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State are in a joyful mood as the state government commenced the rehabilitation of the dilapidated section of the Chokocho-Okehi road.
Chokocho-Okehi is one of the agrarian communities in the state.
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However, the poor state of the road has been a source of concern to the residents, especially farmers as they find it very difficult to transport their produce.
The people had on several occasions presented the poor state of the road to Governor Nyesom Wike, who promised to fix it.
Succour came their way when the governor recently directed the immediate rehabilitation of the road.
The directive came into effect one week after as repair work started and is expected to be completed soon.
The highly elated communities, who could not hide their joy over the rehabilitation of the road, said it would enhance the easy movement of their farm produce.
The traditional ruler of Igboh Kingdom, King Samuel Ndiwe Amaechi, commended the governor for embarking on the reconstruction of the dilapidated road.
King Amaechi, in a statement, said the governor loved Etche people and would always embark on projects to meet the needs of the masses.
“That is why from the inception of his administration he started his massive road reconstruction from Chokocho road.
“I am not surprised that Governor Wike heard the cry of my people over the poor state of Chokocho-Okehi road and decided to do the needful.
The governor has again demonstrated his love for the people of Etche,” he said.
The traditional ruler assured that the people would always be a strong support to Wike’s administration.
A resident of the community, Emmanuel Nwamu, expressed joy that the repair work has started on the dilapidated section of the road.
“The state of this road has been very terrible.
“The poor state of the road has hampered free movement, especially of agricultural produce.
“Many of the residents were trapped in the community and found it extremely difficult to move out of the area.
“Communities in this area are agrarian.
“Most of the cash crops, such as plantain, cassava, yam and vegetables you see in Port Harcourt and other major cities in Rivers State are from Etche and you could imagine our plight when the road was in a total mess.
“We thank Governor Wike for coming to our aid by fixing the road,” he said.
Another resident, Cordelia Nwachi, also expressed happiness that the collapsed section of the road is being repaired.