The House of Representatives Member for Ideato North and South Federal Constituency, Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, has called on Governor Hope Uzodinma to ensure the completion of the critical Umuchima gully erosion project in Ideato South, following the state’s recent decision to take over the project from the federal government.
Ugochinyere made this call during an inspection of the ongoing remedial work at the site, which he helped facilitate.
Ugochinyere noted that Governor Uzodinma must have a sustainable plan in place to complete the project, adding that there has been visible progress since the federal government’s intervention.
He added that the erosion has not expanded since remedial work began, and people can now work inside the site, which is just a few minutes from the road.
Ugochinyere, however, noted that it would be unforgivable and unacceptable to Ideato people if Uzodinma abandoned this project after urging the federal government to hand it over to the state government.
He stated that he began advocating for the project several years after Uzodinma kicked it off, but nothing was done.
Ugochinyere stated; “We received news that the state government is interested in this project. This is one of the things we have been praying for. It is not my job as a lawmaker to get involved in road construction. I do representation and lawmaking. It is because the state and federal government abandoned this project overtime that made me to seek the attention of the federal government who has awarded the contract to Rockview and since then the contractor has been doing a great job.
“Ideato people will not want a situation where the contractors from the federal government stop doing the good work that they are currently doing here, going by the intervention of the state government and nothing happens till December and then the rainy season comes to affect the good works done so far.
“It is a good news if the governor quickly starts and completes the projects but it will be a bad news if the federal government contractors demobilize and stop working, then in a few weeks time, we come here to see no visible work, instead people are still coming to draw lines and point at the gully. We want the filling up to start immediately and the road to be constructed so that we will recover this place completely.
“Now that the governor has resolved to do what he ought to have done three to four years ago. Mr. Governor make sure you finish the work timely. People are already doing the work. Make sure you have a sustainable plan to finish the work on time. We shall not drag sites with anyone. As long as the federal government says we should step aside, we will.”
Ugochinyere also noted that the people of Ideato are more concerned about having the gully erosion problem solved, regardless of whether the federal or state government is responsible.
He stated that the suffering caused by the erosion has been severe, with many houses and shops in the Umuchima community destroyed, adding that “Ideato people have the right to enjoy access to this road.”
