Indigenes of Ikwuano in Umuahia have backed the intervention by Abia State Government on the Umuahia–Ikwuano–Ikot Ekpene Road project.

They noted that the intervention became necessary following years of delay and “uncoordinated construction” on the road.

An indigene, Dr Monday Ubani (SAN), questioned the rationale behind the Federal Ministry of Works’ claim that the Umuahia–Ikwuano–Ikot Ekpene Road project is still being executed and funded by the Federal Government.

Ubani’s reaction followed a statement credited to the Federal Controller of Works in Abia State, Mr Chidi Uwaeziozi, who reportedly stated that the road project remained under the supervision and funding of the Federal Government.

Ubani stated that the timing of the claim raised concerns, particularly as a competent contractor Abia government engaged had already mobilised to site and commenced work to complete the long-delayed project.

He recalled that the contract for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the strategic highway was awarded in 2019 during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

The road, he noted, serves as a major economic corridor linking Abia with Akwa Ibom State and providing access to Cross River State and other parts of the South-South region.

He lamented the prolonged  Daley or the project, despite its importance to commerce and transportation, leaving many sections in poor condition.

Ubani stated that apart from limited construction activity around the Ndioru axis, particularly between Ndioru Market and Okwe, much of the road linking Umuahia through Ikwuano to Ikot-Ekpene remained in a deplorable state.

He noted that the prolonged delay in completing the project caused significant hardship for residents and motorists who rely on the road for daily movement and economic activities.

According to him, the situation prompted repeated appeals from community leaders, traditional rulers and residents for urgent government intervention.

He explained that the state government later stepped in to facilitate the reconstruction of the road by engaging a contractor to complete the project.

He added that the Umuahia–Ikwuano–Ikot Ekpene Road remained a strategic inter-state route whose rehabilitation would significantly improve economic activities and connectivity between the South-East and South-South regions.