The deprived people of Ogidigben, Warri South West local government area of Delta State, have threatened to work against the reelection of the incumbent governor of the state, Ifeanyi Okowa come 2019 following what the called inhuman and deliberate abandonment of the abandoned 2.193 kilometer Obitobon-Elolo-Ajakrougbo-Urubo reinforced concrete road.
The abandoned road project said to be awarded to one Metsan Services Limited, in April 2017, by the Okowa led administration, has since been abandoned midway, therefore leading to its deplorable state and posing a death trap to indigenes and other road users.
The community however warned that unless the Okowa led government puts modalities in place to complete the 2.193 kilometer road, indigenes will not support his reelection bid.
The people made it clear that “If efforts are not made by the government to effect the completion of that road we will be forced to take drastic decision as it concerns the forthcoming general elections.”
Speaking on behalf of the community, an indigene who simply identified himself as Ebimiyemi Kingsley, lamented that “The sorry state of the road has left a devastating effect on the social-economic life of the people. The people of the community are appealing to the state governor to please as a matter of urgency, mobilize Metsan Services Limited to enable the company resume work on the road project”.
Other community respondents bemoaned the lack of government presence in Ogidigben, saying they have not benefited anything from the present administration, asking if they were still part of the state.
HardReporters observed during a visit to the site that members of the community are already cut off from the rest of the State as the only accessible road leading to it has been rendered impassable due to the abandoned construction works on the road.
When contacted to comment on the current state of the road, the state Works Commissioner, James Augoye, simply responded “I will get back to you” which he never did as at press time.
