AKPUOVU ROAD, AMANUKE: A COMMUNITY IN DESPERATE NEED OF GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION

~ByOdogwu Ogonna I~

The people of Amanuke in Awka-North Local Government Area of Anambra State are in distress. For many years, they have endured hardship caused by the total neglect of Akpuovu Road. This road is not just a path in one village. It is a vital link that serves several communities within the local government area.

Akpuovu Road connects Amanuke to Urum Old Road, Mgbakwu Old Road, Ebenebe Old Road, and Isuaniocha Old Road. In effect, it serves as the central artery for movement of people, goods, and services across five communities in Awka-North. Its present condition has brought untold suffering to residents.

A visit to the road reveals a scene of abandonment. The surface is deeply eroded, with wide gullies and mounds of mud. During the rainy season, the road becomes completely impassable. Vehicles get stuck, while pedestrians and motorcyclists risk their lives daily to navigate the hazardous terrain.

In the dry season, the situation is scarcely better. The road turns into a dusty track riddled with potholes. Transport fares have risen sharply because drivers charge more to compensate for the damage done to their vehicles. The cost of foodstuffs and other essential commodities has also increased as a result.

The economic impact of this neglect is severe. Farmers in Amanuke, Urum, Mgbakwu, Ebenebe, and Isuaniocha produce yams, cassava, vegetables, and other agricultural produce. However, they are unable to convey their goods to major markets in good time. Much of their produce spoils before it reaches buyers.

Access to healthcare has also been greatly affected. In cases of emergency, such as childbirth complications or accidents, it is almost impossible to convey patients to hospitals in Awka on time. Many residents have lost loved ones simply because help could not arrive quickly due to the state of the road.

Education has not been spared either. School children trek long distances through mud and erosion channels to get to school. Teachers posted to schools in these communities often refuse to accept their postings because of the difficulty in accessing the area. The future of our children is therefore being jeopardised.

It is painful to note that this neglect has persisted despite the fact that the people have political representation at every level. We have a Governor in the state, a Chairman in the local government, and a Councillor in the community. Yet, our most basic need has remained unattended to.

The people of Awka-North are law-abiding and hardworking citizens. We pay our taxes and we participate fully in the democratic process. During elections, we turn out in large numbers to exercise our civic duty. It is therefore disheartening that our loyalty has not translated into the provision of basic infrastructure.

We are aware that the administration of His Excellency, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, has placed emphasis on infrastructural development and the opening up of rural areas. The “Solution Agenda” speaks directly to the aspirations of communities like ours that have been left behind for too long.

It is in light of this that we are making a passionate appeal to the Governor. We believe that his administration can and will address this problem. The reconstruction of Akpuovu Road will demonstrate a commitment to inclusive development and to the principle that no community should be left behind.

The rehabilitation of this road will bring immediate relief to thousands of people. It will reduce transportation costs, improve access to markets, and enhance the livelihoods of farmers and traders. It will also improve security, as security agencies will be able to respond more effectively to distress calls in the area.

Furthermore, a good road will encourage the siting of small businesses and industries in the area. Young people will have more opportunities for employment, and this will help to reduce rural-urban migration. The entire Awka-North Local Government Area will benefit from the multiplier effect of this single project.

We are not asking for too much. We are simply asking for what is due to us as citizens of Anambra State. Other communities have received attention from government, and we are hopeful that our turn has now come. The people of Amanuke and its neighbouring communities deserve to enjoy the dividends of democracy.

We therefore call on Governor Soludo to direct the relevant ministries and agencies to carry out an immediate assessment of Akpuovu Road. We urge that the reconstruction and proper grading of the road be included in the 2026 budget and work plan of the state government. Time is of the essence, as further delay will only worsen the damage.

In conclusion, the people of Amanuke, Urum, Mgbakwu, Ebenebe, and Isuaniocha are looking up to the Soludo administration for succour. We have faith in your leadership and in your promise to build a liveable and prosperous Anambra. Please, Your Excellency, come to our rescue. Reconstruct Akpuovu Road and restore hope to the people of Awka-North.

Long live Amanuke Ogbuodudu Akakomme, Long live Awka-North Community, Long live Anambra State.