Residents of Umunwanwa community in Ubakala, Umuahia South Local Government Area, Abia State, have appealed to the Federal Government to intervene in the rehabilitation of the Achingala–Uduobi–Udo-Na–Umunwanwa federal road, warning that continued neglect could worsen hardship as the rainy season approaches.
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A special report aired on ARISE News TV has revealed that the 21-kilometre road, which serves as a critical link between Abia and neighbouring Imo State, has remained in a deplorable condition despite multiple contract awards over the years.
The road was first awarded to a contractor in 2014, but the contract was terminated in 2015 due to poor performance. Eight years later, the project was re-awarded to an indigenous contractor, raising renewed hopes among residents. However, two years into the new contract, community members say there has been little or no meaningful progress on the Abia axis of the road.
According to the report, almost two kilometres of the road have been severely damaged by erosion, making movement extremely difficult and dangerous for motorists, pedestrians and schoolchildren. Residents alleged that while the Imo State section of the same federal road project is nearing completion, the Abia portion has been largely neglected. They expressed fears that failure to address the situation during the current dry season could worsen erosion once the rains begin, further isolating the community and disrupting economic and social activities.
Residents who returned home during the festive period reportedly described the road as a “death trap,” lamenting frequent vehicle breakdowns and constant fear while travelling. The report also noted that several houses have already been swallowed by erosion, forcing residents to access Umunwanwa through Isiala Ngwa Local Government Area.
Former Abia lawmaker, Jerry Uzosike, criticised the handling of the project, alleging mismanagement of funds.
“It will be a grave injustice for the Minister to approve earthwork without asphalting this road. It will be a grave injustice to release any money for earthwork while the bridge is abandoned. They’ve collected N5.7 billion on this road,” he stated.
President General of Umunwanwa, Fidelis Okenugwu, raised concerns over the safety implications of the erosion, recounting tragic incidents. “For example, Nndukwe Moss died in this gully here. Even one of our chief’s wives fell into this gully. Without God’s intervention, she would have died. You can also see pipelines exposed by the erosion. If anything happens to that pipeline, the entire community will be at risk,” he warned.
Meanwhile, an indigene, Sunny Mbagwu, lamented the repeated failure of contractors to deliver on the project.“This road has been commissioned to several contractors over a long period. Each time they promise to work, nothing happens. They only parked broken and abandoned equipment here. They are playing with our village,” he said.
Another resident, Charles Ibeleche, noted that the road qualifies as a Trunk B federal road due to its proximity to Imo State.
“Our plea is that the Federal Government should come to our aid. As the rains are coming, our people’s lives are still in danger,” he said.
Chairman of Umuahia South Local Government Area, Chinedu Enwereuzo, also called on the Federal Government to intervene, particularly on the Achingala axis. “Down to Achingala, on the Imo State side, the road is totally impassable. We are calling on the Federal Government to direct the contractor to return to the site and complete this job,” he said.
Residents and indigenes insist that only prompt and decisive action by the Federal Government will restore safe access, protect lives and property, and revive economic activities in Umunwanwa and neighbouring communities.
