“Ohaji Communities Demand Urgent Repairs for Crumbling Owerri-Port Harcourt Expressway”
Residents of Ohaji in Ohaji Egbema LGA, Imo State, have expressed deep frustration over the deteriorating condition of the Owerri-Port Harcourt Expressway. Town Union President Daniel Clifford Ogbuehi and other local leaders have called for immediate intervention from both state and federal governments to address the severe road damage, which they say has worsened over time.
Ogbuehi highlighted the critical role of the road in connecting Imo, Rivers, and Bayelsa States, lamenting that despite its importance, it remains in disrepair. He noted that the road, briefly upgraded during President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, has since been neglected.
Residents have reported that the road’s poor condition, particularly in Ohaji, creates significant hardship for commuters, disrupts local businesses, and poses safety risks. The dilapidated sections of the road also attract criminal activity, further endangering road users.
Chijioke Osimiri from Awarra Autonomous Community added that the frequent accidents involving heavy trucks exacerbate the situation, with many such trucks being owned by oil companies that have not contributed to road repairs despite their heavy use.
Local leaders have conducted multiple protests to urge the relevant authorities to address the issue, but their appeals have yet to yield results.