By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

Residents of Obeagwe, Akili Ogidi and Ogwu-Ikpele communities in Anambra State over the weekend took to the streets to protest the prolonged abandonment of their only access road.

The protesters, who came out in their scores lamented the deplorable condition of the Obeagwe–Akili Ogidi–Ogwu-Ikpele road, saying that it has subjected residents to years of hardship, restriction of movement and also made it difficult for farmers to move their goods to the markets.

They lamented that the state of the road has also made it increasingly difficult for their children and other family members living outside the communities to return home.

They also regretted that the road has remained abandoned for several years despite repeated appeals for government intervention.

While expressing concern that the affected communities, which they described as oil-producing areas, had continued to suffer serious infrastructure deficits, the protesters added,

“Despite being an oil-producing community, we are being treated as if we are not part of Anambra State,” they lamented.

“We appeal to the Federal and Anambra State governments to urgently intervene and rehabilitate the road. It is our only viable link to neighbouring communities and markets.

“Fixing the road would ease movement, facilitate the transportation of farm produce and improve the economic and social wellbeing of residents.”

The protesters however urged the relevant authorities to come to their rescue and restore the Obeagwe–Akili Ogidi–Ogwu-Ikpele road to a motorable condition.