Restore Sukuk funding for Imo–Abia Road, communities tell FG

Residents of Obizi in Imo State and Umunwanwa in Abia State have appealed to the federal government to reinstate Sukuk funding for the Achingali-Obizi-Udo-Umunwanwa-Obakala federal road project. In a statement sent to Daily Trust, the communities said the project, critical to linking the two states, has reached a crucial stage but cannot progress further due […]

Residents of Obizi in Imo State and Umunwanwa in Abia State have appealed to the federal government to reinstate Sukuk funding for the Achingali-Obizi-Udo-Umunwanwa-Obakala federal road project.

In a statement sent to Daily Trust, the communities said the project, critical to linking the two states, has reached a crucial stage but cannot progress further due to the contractor’s delisting from the Sukuk funding scheme.

Initiated in 2021 under the federal government’s Sukuk bond programme, the 21-kilometer road has seen 14.3 kilometres fully completed and now motorable.

However, the outstanding 6.7 kilometres, particularly the section from Udo community at the Imo-Abia border through Umunwanwa, remains severely degraded, with parts of the road eroded and nearly impassable.

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In Umunwanwa, large portions of the road have been washed away by gully erosion, cutting off communities, disrupting trade, and posing a grave safety risk. His Royal Majesty, Eze Stephen Ihuoma, traditional ruler of Umunwanwa, underscored the project’s importance to the local economy.

“This road is vital to our livelihood and the economy of both states. When it is in good condition, travel time to Owerri is reduced to just one hour, but now people are forced to spend up to three hours going through longer routes. We thank the government for starting the work, but we appeal for its completion because the benefits are enormous,” Eze Ihuoma said.

Chief Fidelis Okebugwu, President General of Umunwanwa, described the project as a beacon of hope for the people. He pointed to the exposed oil pipelines in the eroded areas as a serious danger to lives and property.

“Our community believes that with the renewed hope agenda of President Tinubu, this road can be completed. We appeal to the Federal Government to restore the Sukuk funding and empower the contractors to continue their work,” he urged.

Community leader, Chief Emeka Inyama, also called on the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, to intervene. “This is not just about a road; it is about saving our people from years of isolation and ensuring government presence is felt here,” he said.

Meanwhile, the contractor has clarified that the project has not been abandoned. Engr. Jude Ogbuenyi, the project manager, Boliv Limited explained that work has continued on sections not requiring heavy funding but progress on the erosion-ravaged areas has stalled due to lack of access to funds.

“This project is ongoing. We have not abandoned it. What has stalled progress is our delisting from the Sukuk funding programme, which means we cannot access the required resources to tackle the most critical areas, especially at Umunwanwa where major engineering interventions are needed. We are appealing to the Federal Government to reinstate us under the Sukuk scheme so we can mobilize fully and deliver this road,” Engr. Ogbuenyi said.