A Major Road in Owerri Is Falling Apart—And Residents Say Enough Is Enough

Residents of Naze, Nekede, Ihiagwa, and Obinze in Owerri West LGA, Imo State, are pleading for urgent help as the once-vibrant Naze-Nekede-FUTO-Obinze Road is now near total collapse.

This key road, which links major educational institutions like the Federal Polytechnic Nekede and FUTO, has become almost impassable. Deep potholes, collapsed drainage systems, stagnant water, and a dangerously damaged bridge now define what used to be a lifeline for thousands of commuters, students, and businesses.

“It’s a nightmare,” said a frustrated resident of Umuoma Nekede.
“The contractors started work, gave us hope, and then disappeared.”

At the heart of the crisis is the bridge near Nekede New Road, which is now barely standing. Cars often get stranded, especially during rainfall when the road turns into a muddy mess. Traders say they are losing goods and income daily, and transporters are abandoning the route altogether.

The road was reportedly awarded to Leo 9 Construction Company by the Imo State Government, under Governor Hope Uzodimma. Bulldozers moved in, some foundation work began — and then, suddenly, everything stopped.

From Nokia House to Maternity Junction and Ihiagwa Market, the road tells a painful story of abandonment.

Now, residents are asking tough questions:

Why did the project stop?

Where did the funds go?

Why has the government been silent?

Stakeholders are urging Governor Uzodimma to step in before lives are lost. What started as a road project is now a crisis threatening safety, livelihoods, and access to education.

For locals, this is no longer just about bad roads — it’s about survival, and whether their government is truly listening.