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From Jude Chinedu, Enugu
Road users have commended President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) for the direct labour repairs of failed sections and the patching of potholes along the 9th Mile–Oji River Old Road in Enugu State, describing the intervention as timely and impactful.
The remedial works, which covered failed carriageways and critical pothole sections, have significantly eased traffic flow on the busy federal corridor, especially during the festive period when vehicular movement increases.
Speaking on the development, Henry Abonyi, a regular road user, praised the quality of the work and expressed gratitude to FERMA and the Federal Government.
“The work done is very fine. They are doing a very good job, and they should keep it up. This remedial work has eased traffic on this road, and we are grateful to FERMA and the Federal Government. Travelling through this route was always a nightmare, but this intervention has solved that problem,” he said.
Another road user, Steve, noted that the long-standing poor condition of the road had exposed commuters to security risks, particularly kidnapping, due to frequent slowdowns caused by bad spots.
“The road has been dilapidated and very bad for a long time, and that is one of the reasons kidnappers take advantage of it. When vehicles slow down to pass here, they come out to the road. That is why these incidents always happen. This is a federal road, yet there has been little maintenance despite all the taxes people pay,” he lamented.
“About this work being done, I think no time is too late. They did it at the right time because this is the festive season, when many people travel through this route. So it is a welcome development.”
A commercial driver, Chima Arum, also expressed satisfaction with the repairs, saying the intervention had made driving through the axis less stressful.
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“I am happy that I can now drive through this road without issues. In previous years, passing here was always hectic. But these repairs have made the journey smoother for us. I thank the Federal Government for this,” he said.
He, however, appealed for the completion of the ongoing dual carriageway project, adding, “I also call on the President and the Minister of Works to look into the dual carriageway. They have been working on that road for ages, and it is important that it is completed.”
Explaining the rationale behind the intervention, Nwoke Johnblaize, a Federal Road Maintenance Engineer with FERMA in Enugu State, said the repairs were part of the agency’s annual yuletide programme aimed at ensuring smooth and safe travel.
“Every year, the Managing Director of FERMA and the entire management approve repair works to allow travellers move freely during the yuletide. It is called Operation Connect to Your Destination,” he explained.
“This year, we chose this road to connect travellers going to Anambra, Imo, and parts of Enugu and Abia states. The road leads from 9th Mile to Amansea and up to Awka in Anambra State, and it also serves as a link to other parts of Anambra, Enugu, Imo, and Abia.”
Johnblaize added that the intervention aligns with President Tinubu’s infrastructure agenda.
“This goes in line with the strides of President Bola Tinubu, who is trying his best to ensure that every part of the country is connected by road, so that people can easily move farm produce from where they are produced to where they are needed, and also travel without fear of insecurity,” he said.
“When roads are good, there is reduced travel time and fewer problems on the road. That is why we are doing our best to keep federal roads motorableat all times.”
The repairs have been widely welcomed by motorists and commuters, many of whom expressed hope that sustained maintenance and completion of ongoing projects would further improve safety and economic activities in the area.
