Outcry over repairs of Abakaliki-Afikpo expressway

ABAKALIKI- Although both state and federal roads in Ebonyi State have been receiving attention since the coming on board of the Governor Martin Elechi-led administration since 2007, much still have to be done to upgrade these roads.However, one of the most critical roads still requiring the attention of the Federal Ministry of Works is the Abakaliki-Afikpo Expressway which is presently undergoing reconstruction and rehabilitation but at a very slow pace.
Despite the efforts of contractors like CCECC, UNI GLOBE, among others who have contributed their quota towards the upgrade of the road, a section of the road is still in a deplorable state and this development had instigated lots of complaints from both road users and communities residing within the road network.The section of Abomege in Onicha Local Lovernment Area to Onueke in Ezza South Local Government Area of the state is causing lots of pains, hardship and discomfort to road users who ply the trans-Africa Mombazzer Highway.The road is very strategic as it leads to Cameroon, Cross River, Lagos, South-East states among other parts of the country.A bus driver with Imo State Transport Company, ITC, who gave his name as Okey Emmanuel complained bitterly on the deplorable state of the road.“My brother, that portion is very bad; it slows us down each time we are driving to our destination. The Federal Government should quickly award that road if they have not done so because it is posing serious threat to road users.“Each time I drive through that spot at night, I have my heart in my mouth because armed robbers can easily attack and rob any vehicle without any restriction from security operatives in the area. That spot is very bad.”A community member who lives within the axis of the road, complained how commuters would leave the bad spot and navigate through family compounds because of the state of the road. Speaking with Vanguard Metro, the Chairman, Ezza South Local Government Area, Chief Laz Ogbee called on the Federal Government to expedite action on the road, adding that the completion of the road would add aesthetic value to it and further give commuters confidence to ply the road.
Meanwhile, the Federal Controller of Works in the state who did want his name in print said the road was still awaiting procurement and will soon be awarded to a notable contractor.