Reps urge IG-P, ICPC to investigate coy over road reconstruction in Abia

The House of Representatives has urged the Inspector General of Police (IG-P) and the ICPC to investigate the failed reconstruction of the F107 Ohafia Bende Umuahia road in Abia.

The resolution followed adoption of a motion by Rep. Ibe Osonwa (LP-Abia) during plenary in Abuja on Wednesday.

Presenting the motion, the lawmaker noted that the contract for the reconstruction was awarded in 2018 to Hartland Setraco Ltd., for the sum of N5.49 billion, under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Works.

He noted with grave concern, the deteriorating state of the Nmuri Bridge Access and the F107 road in Ebem Ohafia, Abia.

He said the road served as critical infrastructure connecting the Umuahia-Bende-Arochukwu-Ohafia to other neighbouring towns and fostering socioeconomic activities in the region.

He further stated that the Nmuri access of the F107 Road had suffered extensive damage, rendering it hazardous for commuters.

He added that the F107 road had been riddled with potholes and erosion gullies, causing accidents and delays, particularly during the rainy season

According to him, the unsafe condition of the road had resulted in numerous fatalities and loss of property and had significantly hampered the movement of goods and services

This, according to him, is detrimental to the economic well-being of the people of Ohafia and surrounding communities

He added that the Federal Executive Council approved an additional N12 billion for the project, with over N300 million allocated in 2021 and N400 million in the 2024 Appropriation Bill.

This, he said, had brought about suspicions of corruption and mismanagement, adding that the continued neglect of these critical infrastructures posed a serious threat to public safety.

He said it had also hindered access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and businesses, undermining the Federal Government’s commitment to equitable development across all regions.

“It is disheartening that the bad condition of the F107 road made Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, a black Sunday in my constituency, as a tragic accident occurred at approximately 1:30 pm.

The accident, according to him, involved a chippings-filled trailer that overturned, tragically, claiming the lives of seven innocent travellers.

Adopting the motion, the house urged the IG-P to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident and to consider charging Hartland Setraco Ltd. with corporate manslaughter.

The house also urged its committees on Works, ICPC, EFCC, Public Accounts, and Public Procurement to jointly conduct a comprehensive investigation into the activities and funding of the project.