Youths from Ukala, Ezi, Ebu, and communities of Oshimili North and Aniocha North Local Government Areas of Delta State on Tuesday took to the streets of Asaba, down to Government House to register their grievances over the abandoned Ukala-Ezi-Ebu Road.

The youth who carried placards of different inscriptions like “Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, fix our road,” “We are losing millions of naira as a result of the abandoned Ukala-Ezi-Ebu road,” “Our road is a death trap,” among others, were prevented from protesting at the Government House gate.

It was observed that the protesters were blocked at the popular Inter-bua roundabout by the security agencies despite an earlier notice of protest.

Speaking on behalf of the protesters, the Convener, Concerned Youth for Good Governance, Mr Henry Mojume, said for years, the people of Ukala-Okwute-Ezi-Ebu-Okpunor communities have suffered from the complete neglect of this critical road.

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“This route is a major lifeline that connects our communities to market, schools, health centers, and other essential services in Delta State.

“As I speak to you, farmers cannot transport their produce efficiently, leading to losses and food wastage.

“The bad condition of the Delta road has made it a hazard and also a haven for criminal activities.

“Our protest today is peaceful and rooted in the principle of constructive engagement. We cannot remain silent while our people suffer daily due to this neglect.

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“Our demand is that the government should immediately mobilise contractors to resume and complete the Ukala-Okwute-Ezi-Ebu-Ukala Okpunor road construction without further delay,” he said.

The Chief of Staff, Government House, Asaba, Mr Johnson Erijo, who came to the inter-bua roundabout to address the protesters, thanked them for the peaceful protest.

“Firstly, I want to thank you for the peaceful protest on the bad state of the Ukala-Okwute- Ezi-Ebu- Ukala Okpunor road. We trust that the governor will pay attention to the road affecting several communities.

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“I urge you to remain peaceful and supportive of the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori administration.

“We have taken note of this meaningful engagement. Before you came, your local government chairman and his Aniocha North counterpart had already told us the state of the road.

“No government will want its citizens to suffer. This administration is desirous of ensuring meaningful infrastructural development across the state, the governor is working tirelessly to ensure they every part of the state is developed in line with the MORE Agenda,” he appealed.
(PUNCH)