Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma for their efforts in addressing the severe gully erosion at the Umuchima site in Ideato South, Imo State. The project, aimed at mitigating the life threatening erosion, has made significant progress since its commencement, according to the lawmaker.
During an inspection of the ongoing work at the erosion site, Hon. Ugochinyere, who represents Ideato North and South Federal Constituency, praised both the federal and state governments for stepping in to resolve the long standing issue. He acknowledged the visible impact of the remedial work, noting that the erosion had not expanded since the project began, and workers are now able to access the site, which is located just a few minutes from the main road.
The lawmaker highlighted Governor Uzodinma's decision to take over the project from the Federal Government and urged the governor to ensure the timely completion of the project, which also includes linking the Orlu road to Orie Akokwa to address erosion at the Orie Akokwa roundabout.
We received news that the state government is interested in this project. This is one of the things we have been praying for, Ugochinyere remarked. He explained that although it is not his role as a lawmaker to handle road construction, he intervened because the project had been neglected by both the state and federal governments. This led him to seek federal intervention, which resulted in the contract being awarded to Rockview, a contractor that has since been doing commendable work.
However, Ugochinyere expressed concern over the possibility of delays if the Federal Government contractors are removed from the site prematurely, urging the governor to ensure continuous progress. It is good news if the governor quickly starts and completes the projects, but it will be bad news if the Federal Government contractors demobilize and stop working,he warned, stressing the importance of avoiding delays, especially with the approaching rainy season.
The lawmaker emphasized that for the people of Ideato, the priority is fixing the Umuchima gully erosion, regardless of whether the project is completed by the state or federal government. What is important to Ideato people is to have Umuchima gully erosion fixed, not who fixes it. The people have the right to enjoy access to this road by having this erosion problem solved, Ugochinyere stated.
He also thanked the residents of Umuchima and Ideato South for their patience and support, acknowledging the immense suffering caused by the erosion, which has destroyed many homes and businesses in the community. While the lawmaker recognized that there may be temporary delays in the pace of work, he issued a stern warning to Governor Uzodinma, stating that the people of Ideato would not forgive him if he abandons the project after taking it over from the Federal Government, which had already made significant progress.
The Umuchima gully erosion project is a crucial initiative for the residents of Ideato South, and its successful completion is vital to restoring the area and preventing further destruction. With both federal and state governments now involved, there is hope that the project will be completed efficiently and on time, providing much needed relief to the affected communities.