The Amuokpokpor-Elume community in Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State has cried out over the collapse of a road constructed by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
The project, according to residents, failed barely one year after its completion.
The community chairman, Daniel Ogbodo, who spoke on Saturday, alleged that the contractor used substandard materials during the construction, leading to the road’s failure.
Advertisement
“The newly constructed concrete-paved road did not last up to a year before deteriorating, leaving the community in a worse state than before the intervention,” Ogbodo lamented.
He noted that residents now suffer immense hardship due to the deplorable condition.
“People are complaining about the deplorable state of the road, loss of life, and paralysis of their economic activities just a year after its completion by the contractor,” he said.
Community elder Olu Majelele and Felix Emuobonuvie, President General of Elume District, also voiced concerns, stressing that the failed road has become a death trap.
“Currently, the Amuokpokpor road is almost impassable because rods and other metal objects utilized in its construction have resurfaced.
“This has resulted in the bursting of motorcycle and vehicle tyres,” Emuobonuvie stated.
He recalled a recent tragedy, saying, “This road has been the site of a heartbreaking incident that led to the loss of our son, whose vehicle overturned, resulting in his instantaneous death.”
Women leaders, including Mrs. Mercy Izobo and Mrs. Bridget Emuobonuvie, added that poor access to markets has increased transport fares by 100 per cent, forcing many farm products to rot at home.
The residents, however, commended the NDDC for initiating the project but urged them to revisit the site, extend it to the riverbank, and include a drainage system to protect the community from flooding.
