Residents Decry Abandoned Enugu Link Road, Seek Government Intervention

Residents of Amufie, Ugbaike and Inyi communities in Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area of Enugu State have appealed to the state government to complete the abandoned 7.64-kilometre road linking their communities, describing its deteriorating condition as a major threat to their livelihoods and economic activities.

The road, awarded in 2020 by the previous administration, was expected to improve transportation, facilitate the movement of agricultural produce and enhance connectivity to Obollo-Afor and the Abuja highway. However, the project was abandoned after earthworks and partial drainage construction, leaving large sections vulnerable to erosion and deterioration.

Years of neglect, coupled with heavy traffic from trucks diverted from the damaged Obollo-Afor-Abuja highway, have worsened the condition of the road. Deep gullies, flooded sections and washed-out laterite surfaces now make the route increasingly difficult for motorists and commercial motorcycle operators to navigate, especially during the rainy season.

Residents say the road serves as a critical transport corridor for farmers and traders, linking the agrarian communities to markets in Enugu State, Benue State and the Federal Capital Territory.

Community leader, Michael Ugwu, said the unfinished road had become the only alternative route for heavy-duty vehicles after the Obollo-Afor-Abuja highway became largely impassable, accelerating the road’s deterioration.

He appealed to Governor Peter Mbah to prioritise the completion of the project, noting that it would improve mobility, boost economic activities and preserve an important rural transport network.

Farmers have also expressed concern over the impact of the abandoned project on agricultural production and distribution.

A farmer from Inyi, Chukwuka Ujah, said the poor state of the road has increased transportation costs, discouraged transport operators from entering the communities and reduced farmers’ incomes.

According to him, rehabilitating the road would improve access to markets, reduce post-harvest losses and encourage greater agricultural output.

Similarly, businessman and community leader, Chief Augustine Nweze, described the abandoned project as a missed opportunity for rural development, stressing that the road has the potential to serve as a shorter route for travellers moving between Nsukka, Enugu-Ezike and Abuja.

He urged the state government to complete the project, saying it would benefit farmers, traders, transporters and other road users while supporting rural economic growth.

Residents maintained that completing the road would restore access to markets, lower transportation costs, stimulate agricultural investment and strengthen connectivity between rural communities and major highways.

They expressed hope that government intervention would prevent further deterioration of the road and revive what they described as a vital economic lifeline for the affected communities.