Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, the member representing Ideato Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has issued a stern warning to Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State regarding the ongoing work at the Umuchima gully erosion site. He emphasized that his constituents would not forgive the governor if the project were abandoned.
The gully erosion has long plagued the Umuchima community in the Ideato South Local Government Area, severing the critical Orlu-Akokwa-Uga-Ekwulobia road, displacing families, and burying around 30 houses, including that of a retired justice.
Ugochinyere’s persistent advocacy led to the federal government awarding a contract to address the erosion crisis two months ago. Currently, work is progressing, with contractors nearing completion of the sand filling for an access road.
During a site visit on Wednesday, Ugochinyere informed constituents that the Imo State government had expressed interest in taking over the project. While he welcomed this involvement, he cautioned that the community would not tolerate any abandonment of the project once the state assumes control.
“This project was neglected for a long time, and it was through our advocacy that the federal government took action. Now, work has progressed significantly, and we expect it to be completed soon. However, if Governor Hope Uzodimma takes over and abandons it, our people will not forgive him,” Ugochinyere stated.
He urged the governor to ensure the timely completion of the project, stressing, “It doesn’t matter who completes the work—what matters is that our people deserve a good road. But our people will not accept a situation where the state takes over and leaves the job unfinished, especially with the rainy season coming.”
Friday Okorobia, the site engineer for Rock View Construction Company, confirmed that the road would be ready for light vehicles by the end of November, indicating that only 20 percent of the gully work remains.
The President General of Umuchima Community, Mr. Nelson Ejike Opara, expressed gratitude to Ugochinyere, stating, “Our community will never forget Ikenga Ugochinyere for coming to our rescue. Even if the state government takes over, history will remember that Ikenga laid the foundation for this project.”