Inside Anambra’s Commissioners’ Quarters: Erosion Cuts Off Road to Deputy Governor’s Residence
Damaged road leading to the residence of the Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr Onyekachi Ibezim
It was a sore sight to behold as the road leading to the residence of the Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr Onyekachi Ibezim, at the Commissioners’ Quarters area of Awka, has become deplorable and virtually impassable, with erosion nearly cutting off the road.
The same road, which leads to the residences of several commissioners and other top government officials in the state, has been allowed to deteriorate so badly that residents daily lament its condition.
Many people have expressed outrage over the deplorable state of the road leading to the residence of the state’s Deputy Governor.
The residents said they could no longer understand why a road used daily by the Deputy Governor and other top government officials in the state had been allowed to deteriorate to the extent that it had become virtually impassable, particularly whenever it rains.
Our correspondent, who visited the area on Wednesday, observed a badly damaged stretch of the road covered by stagnant, muddy water, with heaps of earth and construction materials scattered around the area.
The condition has left motorists and pedestrians struggling to navigate the route, particularly during and after rainfall.
According to residents, the worsening situation is linked to recurrent flooding caused by the blockage of natural waterways in the area as a result of indiscriminate building and construction activities.
They queried who approved some of the structures that had allegedly obstructed the natural drainage channels, leaving residents to suffer the consequences whenever there is rainfall.
One of the residents, Ngozi Chika, said: “We cannot understand this situation. This is an area where senior government officials live, and the Deputy Governor passes through this road regularly. How can such a road remain in this bad condition?”
Another resident, Mr Peter Nnalue, said the problem was not simply the bad condition of the road but also the apparent blockage of the natural waterways by buildings and other developments in the area.
“The water used to have a natural channel through which it flowed. But buildings and other developments have blocked the waterways. Now, whenever it rains, the water has nowhere to go and the road becomes a river,” he alleged.
According to him, the State Town Planning Ministry and the Awka Capital Development Authority should live up to their responsibilities.
“I think it is the failure of these agencies that is majorly contributing to the mess in the area. How can an agency give approval for building without proper assessment of the waterways?” he asked.
Another resident, who declined to give his name, appealed to the Anambra State Government to investigate the circumstances surrounding the construction of buildings obstructing the waterways and ensure that the drainage channels were reopened to allow the free flow of water.
“Who approved these buildings? If the necessary approvals were given, were the environmental and drainage implications considered? Somebody must take responsibility,” the resident asked.
The residents urged the state government to urgently restore the natural waterways in the area, provide adequate drainage and rehabilitate the road before the situation worsens.
They also called on the Deputy Governor to personally intervene, arguing that the condition of the road offered a clear demonstration of the hardship being experienced by residents in the area.
“The Deputy Governor passes through here every day. He should see what ordinary residents are seeing. We are not asking for luxury; we are asking for a road and drainage system that will allow people to move around without fear whenever it rains,” another resident said.
Another source said: “This place is a choice area. Top government officials all live here. If it is neglected this way, we wonder how other areas are. Is this how to achieve the Soludo administration’s vision of a livable, smart and mega city? I’m disappointed.”
The residents further warned that the continued blockage of the waterways could aggravate flooding, damage more roads and pose environmental and public health risks to people and property in the area.
Last year, our correspondent had reported on the condition of roads in the Commissioners’ Quarters, hoping that the authorities concerned would take steps to remedy the situation.
However, the situation has continued to worsen.
However, the chairman of the Awka Capital Development Authority Dr. Ossy Onuko had promised to do something about the situation but has yet to fulfil the promise, although he acknowledged that alot of things had gone wrong in the area.
