Follow Us on Google
From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri
Amaimo Umukabia is a large and vibrant community in Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State. It is located near Agbaje and has boundaries with Umuna, Ikpem, and Nzerem.
The agrarian community is a major producer of palm oil, cassava, and other cash crops, including coconut, fruits (orange, mango, etc.), and timber, which qualifies it to rank among the food baskets of the state. But all appears to be in the past now, as the community is presently plagued by infrastructural deficiencies, having turned from food producers to consumers, no thanks to the deplorable condition of their major roads.
Most of the farmers in the community cannot connect to the urban areas; even if they succeed in bringing out their crops from the farms, the roads have severed the community from their neighbours, making movements between them nearly impossible. To make their matter worse, the only bridge managed by the community to access other roads has collapsed, forcing the natives to risk alternative routes in bush parts.
The devastation of the road has also depopulated the only public secondary school in the community, as most of the students who could not risk the winding ways to the school stay at home or travel to other places for learning.
A community leader from the area, Mr Christian Nnorom, said the community has made several passionate appeals to the various governments, but all to no avail.
He said, “We, the citizens and indigenes of Amaimo Umukabia, want to bring to your attention the deplorable state of our major road, which connects us from Mbano Isiala headquarters, Ikpem, Imo River, and Okigwe town. This road has become a death trap, overgrown with bushes, and is impassable due to years of neglect.
“The road is a hazard to our lives, causing frequent accidents and mechanical issues; transportation costs have skyrocketed, affecting local commerce and our ability to transport agricultural products to markets. Residents face financial burdens due to frequent repairs and maintenance of their vehicles.
“The poor road condition hinders access to medical facilities, putting lives at risk. Students and teachers struggle to commute, which affects the quality of education. Farmers face difficulties transporting their farm produce, leading to spoilage and economic losses.
We, as citizens of this land, deserve a good life like others and basic infrastructure. We beg you, our leaders, to intervene and save us from this suffering. We need you to help rehabilitate our road and make it safe for travel; provide access to clean water and electricity, support local agriculture and commerce, improve healthcare and educational facilities.
“We urge the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Government of Imo State, Niger Delta Development Commission, Senators representing Imo State, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), churches and other faith-based organisations.
“We urge you to take immediate action to address our plight. We are willing to partner and contribute to the development of our community, so that together we can make a difference,” Nnorom pleaded.
