Ihiteowerri: The Ihiteowerri Ward Stakeholders Forum (IWSF) has appealed to Rep. Canice Nwachukwu, member representing Orlu/Orsu/Oru-East Federal Constituency of Imo, to prioritize the rehabilitation of roads and bridges in the area. The Coordinator of the Forum, Mr. Ezeikpe Emejuru, made the appeal when he led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the lawmaker.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the stakeholders, representing four autonomous communities that make up the densely populated Ihiteowerri Ward in Orlu Local Government Area, commended Nwachukwu's contributions in the National Assembly. Emejuru expressed concerns that insecurity in the area in recent years had crippled businesses and livelihoods but noted that stability was gradually returning.
"The good news today is that many residents have returned, but their jobs and businesses remain in shambles. There is an urgent need for the rehabilitation and construction of connecting roads and bridges that serve as gateways from Ihiteowerri Ward to neighboring towns and local government areas," Emejuru stated.
Emejuru identified key infrastructure requiring attention, including the Isi-Ihiteowerri road leading to the broken bridge connecting Uzubi in Ideato LGA and the Obinugwu road leading to the fallen bridge linking Obodoukwu in Ideato LGA. Additional priorities include the Akpuru bridge connecting Ihitenansa in Orsu LGA and the Ezerioha road leading to the bridge linking Akwaihedi town in Nnewi South LGA of Anambra.
Emejuru urged for urgent intervention, emphasizing that it would help curb insecurity, revive commercial activities, and strengthen voter confidence in Nwachukwu's political leadership. He acknowledged the budgetary limitations facing lawmakers but encouraged Nwachukwu to leverage the 2025 supplementary and 2026 annual budgets to prioritize these projects.
"Honorable Sir, you cannot conclude your current mandate without addressing the gully erosion that has destroyed homes and threatens to displace communities in Ihiteowerri Ward," Emejuru added. He also urged the lawmaker to engage relevant agencies such as the NDDC or SEDC to attract solar-powered streetlights to the communities for enhanced safety and public confidence.
Emejuru congratulated Nwachukwu on his recent Legislator Per Excellence award from the Coalition of Orlu Zone Practising Journalists and the NUJ, and prayed for his continued success and political productivity. The statement also quoted Nwachukwu as appreciating the forum for its support and pledging to continue providing effective representation in the Green Chamber.