The lawmaker representing Ideato North and South federal constituency of Imo State, Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, has flagged off the construction of a 1.2-kilometre hydraulic drainage project in the Ugwuano, Ozuomee, and Urualla communities of the constituency.
The drainage project, which officially commenced this week, is aimed at controlling the destructive erosion threatening to cut off major access roads, damage farmlands, and endanger lives and property in the affected communities. According to Ugochinyere, the new drainage system will redirect floodwaters into the Urashi River, reducing the impact of the flood and reopening vital roadways.
“This is an emergency intervention to prevent the erosion from completely cutting off the only linking road in the area. I am channelling the water directly to the Urashi River by constructing this 1.2km drainage. This action will help curb the worsening erosion and make the roads motorable again, especially for our farmers and local residents,” he said during the flag-off ceremony.
The lawmaker, who has been vocal about the plight of his constituency, expressed concern over the prolonged abandonment of erosion sites by relevant authorities. He described the erosion menace as a ticking time bomb, lamenting the dangers it poses to the livelihoods of the people.
Ugochinyere also reiterated his call for swift intervention from the Federal Government, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and the Imo State Government, stressing the need for a long-term solution to the recurring environmental crisis.
“I made this promise when I visited the community a few weeks ago, and I am fulfilling it, just like I did for the Umuchima gully erosion. We can’t afford to wait endlessly for federal or state help while our people suffer. Work will continue non-stop until the drainage is completed,” he assured.
Residents of the communities have lauded the project, calling it a timely and life-saving initiative.
The 1.2km drainage is part of broader efforts by Hon. Ugochinyere to mitigate environmental disasters in Ideato and restore confidence in grassroots development. The project is expected to not only manage runoff from heavy rains but also ease access for farmers and improve road connectivity in the region.
