Some residents of Mbaise, Obowo and Umuahia communities in Imo State have commended the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency for its swift intervention and repairs of the dilapidated Enyiogugu – Sam Mbakwe Airport roads.
The Afor Enyiogugu- Sam Mbakwe Airport road is a federal road that connects major towns and communities like Owerri- Mbaise, Obowo and Umuahia within Imo and Abia States to the airport.
Speaking with our correspondence in Owerri, Tuesday, an Airport Taxi Driver, Mr. Jude Ndiulo, noted that before the intervention of FERMA, he regularly visited car mechanics more often as a result of the bad road.
He said, “I visit the mechanic workshop frequently because of the bad road, all the money I make daily I have been spending on car maintenance and repairs, amidst the hardship, right now I am happy that the Federal government has remembered us through FERMA, they should continue with their good works”
Another resident, a seamstress, Mrs Nkechi Ihechi stated that in the past, they spent a lot conveying their farm produce to the market, and at times, incur losses in a bid to move the wares to sale.
“I am very happy now that our road has worked on by FERMA, I can now move my items to the market, and as well meet the demands of my customers in time”, she said.
Other residents who spoke with our correspondent equally hail FERMA for its intervention on the bad road, noting that the repair has made life easier for commuters and motorists in the communities.
Also speaking with our correspondent, the Federal Roads Maintenance Engineer in charge of Imo State Field Office, Mr. Nnaji Collins, noted that the intervention and repairs of the critical Afor Enyiogugu to Sam Mbakwe Airport road became necessary because the road spurs to two major arterial routes; Owerri-Aba and Owerri- Mbaise-Obowo- Umuahia road hence a hub of economic activities and also a major outlet from the International Cargo Airport
Nnaji, however, appreciated the Acting Managing Director of the Agency, Mr. Godson Amos for granting the necessary approval for the intervention, adding that road users would now heave a sigh of relief.
He enjoined the people of the state to support the efforts of the agency by imbibing an ownership mindset of road infrastructures, ensuring that they always protect these assets and desist from any activity that may lead to blocking the drainage system with dirt especially when it rains.
Nnaji said, “I want Nigerians especially Imolites to support FERMA by protecting the roads and eschew any activity that will lead to the blocking of the drainages of federal roads in Imo”.
