It is unmistakably secure to walk through the den of the Islamic sect
called Boko Haram than drive on most roads in the South-East and
South-South, especially on the Enugu/Port Harcourt Expressway.
Many motorists have constantly related their bad ordeals while plying the
pit-of-hell. Apart from Okigwe and Umuahia, Umuahia and Isiala Ngwa South,
and Aba/Imo River Bridge at the boundary with Abia and Rivers States where
the Expressway has conspicuously damaged, it is a nightmare travelling on
the Expressway along Umuebulu Junction near Oyigbo Local Government Area,
Rivers State.
On October 8 2014, this reporter took the picture of a truck carrying goods
suspected to be tomatoes and pepper that fell on the road the Federal
Government had in 2012 said it had awarded contract for the modernization.
The red motor in the picture had its bumper removed by a spot that has
worsened at the Umuebulu Junction.
These are infinitesimal tales of woes by motorists compared to the number
of vehicles that get spoilt by the worsened highway per day, whereas the
road was supposed to be so relevant. It used to be the economic hub for
both the government and individuals to convey their services from one place
to another.
One bystander who did not give her name while filing this report said, “It
is appalling that this road remains thus considering the fact that
President Goodluck Jonathan is from the region where the road is situated.”
Many wondered if the people of South-South and South-East would vote for
Mr. President in 2015 owing to his palpable aborted promise in 2011 that he
would rebuild the road if voted into power.
Images: Odimegwu Onwumere
