By Elekwachi Chinedum, Onitsha
The people of Enugwuabo Ufuma in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State have raised the alarm over deplorable condition of the only access road leading to the community.
The agrarian community, said to be among the food baskets of the state, sharing boundary with Enugu State, has suffered neglect, including inaccessible road network.
Speaking with reporters, President General of the town, Willie Okafor, lamented the challenge they faced transporting their farm produce due to the bad roads.
He said most of their farm produce perished, following inability of prospective buyers to access the area.
Okafor said the roads became worst during rainy season, adding that the community was cut off from the rest of the state during the last rainy season.
He said the community carried out palliative works on the road shortly after his assumption of office, seeking government’s assistance to ensure they reconnected with neighbouring communities as well as end the era of farm produce wastage.
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Said he: “Shortly after my assumption of office on January 5, 2026, I raised the alarm over the terrible state of our roads. Our community was totally cut off from the rest of the state during the last rainy season.
“Accessing the community through Enugu State or through Ufuma junction was difficult. People were left with no option but to bypass us to pass through Akpugoeze to connect the junction to Awka. “Regrettably, this community is the food basket of the state. Anything planted will grow and produce bountiful harvest.
“As a result, I raised the alarm, asking for N3 million to do palliative work on the road. To the surprise of everyone, in less than 24 hours, I got N8mllion from our people.
“It was an eye opener of our people’s willingness to do their best, to ensure the roads are fixed, which is very basic. But there’s a limit you can go.
“We’re hoping to partner with our local government through the chairman, who has already taken a tour of the road, a road of 9.5km.
“We’re also expecting assistance from the state government. The road from Ekwulobia to Ufuma junction is almost completed. It won’t take much to take it from Ufuma junction to our boundary with Enugu State.
“Enugu side is already done, remaining that of Anambra end. During the rainy season, you’ll pity the indigenes, especially students. You need to watch them navigate the road with their shoes messed up.
“You don’t talk of vehicular movement, very pitiable. If it is rainy season, there’s no way any of these vehicles can enter here. We’re totally cut off.
“People travel from various parts of Enugu State through this road to access markets in Anambra State. But with the deplorable condition of the roads, food items produced become wasted. Fruits grow and perish at will.
“Our plea to the government is to help us in addition with the little we’ve done. It will assist us reconnect with Enugu and other communities, as well as boost agricultural and economic activities here.”