Outrage As Road To Anambra Deputy Governor’s Residence Becomes Impassable

By Tony Okafor, Awka

Residents of the Commissioners’ Quarters area of Awka, Anambra State, have expressed outrage over the deplorable condition of the road leading to the residence of the state’s Deputy Governor, Dr Onyekachi Ibezim.

The residents said they could no longer understand why a road plied daily by the Deputy Governor had been allowed to deteriorate to the extent that it had become virtually impassable, particularly whenever it rains.

When our correspondent visited the area on Wednesday, he observed a badly damaged stretch of the road covered by stagnant, muddy water, with heaps of earth and construction materials scattered around the area.

The condition has left motorists and pedestrians struggling to navigate the route.

Residents attributed the worsening situation to recurrent flooding caused by the blockage of natural waterways in the area, as a result of indiscriminate building and construction activities.

They questioned who approved some of the structures that had allegedly obstructed the natural drainage channels, leaving residents to suffer the consequences whenever there is rainfall.

One of the residents said: “We cannot understand this situation. This is an area where senior government officials live, and the Deputy Governor passes through this road regularly. How can such a road remain in this condition?”

Another resident said the problem was not simply the bad road but the apparent destruction and blockage of the natural waterways.

“The water used to have a natural channel through which it flowed. But buildings and other developments have blocked the waterways. Now, whenever it rains, the water has nowhere to go and the road becomes a river,” the resident alleged.

Another resident appealed to the Anambra State Government to investigate the circumstances surrounding the construction of buildings obstructing the waterways and ensure that the drainage channels were reopened.

“Who approved these buildings? If the necessary approvals were given, were the environmental and drainage implications considered? Somebody must take responsibility,” the resident asked.

The residents urged the state government to urgently restore the natural waterways, provide adequate drainage and rehabilitate the road before the situation worsens.

They also called on the Deputy Governor to personally intervene, arguing that the condition of the road offered a clear demonstration of the hardship being experienced by residents in the area.

“The Deputy Governor passes through here every day. He should see what ordinary residents are seeing. We are not asking for luxury; we are asking for a road and drainage system that will allow people to move around without fear whenever it rains,” another resident said.

Another source said: “This place is a choice area. Top government officials all live here. If it is neglected this way, we wonder how other areas are. Is this how to achieve the Soludo administration’s vision of a livable, smart and mega city? I’m disappointed.”

The residents further warned that continued blockage of the waterways could aggravate flooding, damage more roads and pose environmental and public health risks to the area.