The member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives for Ideato Federal Constituency, Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, has warned Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma that his constituents will not forgive him if the ongoing Umuchima gully erosion project is left unfinished.
The erosion, which has plagued the Umuchima community in Ideato South Local Government Area, has displaced families, destroyed around 30 homes, and severed a vital road linking Orlu, Akokwa, and Ekwulobia. Among the damaged properties was the home of a retired justice.
Following sustained advocacy by Mr Ugochinyere, the federal government awarded a contract to address the long-neglected crisis. The construction work is well underway, with contractors nearing completion on parts of the project.
However, the Imo State government has written to federal authorities expressing interest in taking over the work. Mr Ugochinyere, while welcoming state involvement, cautioned that the community would not tolerate abandonment of the project.
“This project has seen significant progress through federal intervention,” he said during a visit to the site on Wednesday. “Our people will not forgive Governor Uzodimma if the state takes over and leaves it incomplete, especially with the rainy season approaching.”
The construction company’s engineer confirmed that the road could be ready for light vehicles by November’s end, with only 20% of the work remaining.
Local community leaders, including the President General of Umuchima, Nelson Ejike Opara, have expressed gratitude to Mr Ugochinyere for his role in securing the federal government’s intervention.
