Some residents of Aba have sued the Abia State Government and Track Care Nigeria Global company limited, the contractor handling some road constructions in Aba over open drainages (gutters) constructed at Aba-Owerri Road, Umungasi and Umuatako.
They said the gutters have become a deathtrap to pedestrians and other users of the road.
The case was filed by Barr. Emperor Ogbonna at the Abia state High court, Osisioma–Ngwa division on the 16th of December,2021. The victims are claiming damage to the tune of two billion naira for losses and injuries suffered.
The lawyer claimed that one of his clients, Mrs Okoro fell into the gutter and was almost killed. He claimed that she had to stay in the hospital for several months battling to save her life. Apart from Mrs Okoro, he said another client, Mr Obisike Paul, equally fell into one of the gutters.
He noted that the construction company and indeed the Abia State government that contracted them to do the job did not provide adequate safety measures to stop pedestrians from falling into the gutter. According to him, due to this negligence, Mr Obisike almost lost his life if not for the intervention of doctors at Rosevine Hospital.
The legal practitioner argued that some residents have either lost their lives or limbs due to the alleged negligence by the government and the contractor handling the project. He stated that as an activist, he cannot allow the negligence to continue.
“All over the world, there are rules of engagement and construction companies provide safety measures, warnings and items to stop people from being killed at construction sites,” he added.
The law firm said it decided to sue the Abia State government and Track Care Nigeria Global Company Ltd, being the construction company doing the job to serve as a deterrent to others.
The legal practitioner said he is hoping that any company doing construction work in Abia state will observe safety measures and not leave the gutters uncovered, without appropriate warning signs to help the residents.
