Residents of Ebu community in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State have called for urgent government intervention to end years of infrastructural neglect, particularly the poor condition of roads linking the community to neighbouring towns.
The call followed an inspection visit to the Ebu–Illah–Ugbolu Road by a delegation of political leaders from Oshimili North on Thursday.
The delegation, led by the Executive Chairman of the local government, Olorogun Innocent Esewezie, included the Oshimili North Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Hon. Austin Nnabuife; Hon. Barr. Princess Pat Ajudua; Chief Patrick Ukah; Chief Olisa Ifeajika and other stakeholders.
The visit provided the officials with a firsthand view of the difficulties faced by residents, particularly during the rainy season when portions of the roads become difficult to navigate.
The delegation was reportedly unable to proceed through the federal Ogbolu–Illah–Ebu Road after encountering sections that had become virtually impassable. They subsequently used the Ezi-Ukala–Ebu Road, another route that residents said had also deteriorated badly after decades without major rehabilitation.
The condition of the roads was further illustrated by the presence of several trailers and heavy-duty vehicles stranded along the route to Ebu.
On arrival in the community, the delegation met with the Onu of Ebu, community leaders and residents, who complained that the poor roads were affecting farming, transportation, trade and other economic activities.
Speaking during the inspection, Esewezie said the delegation came to identify with the people and assess the situation personally rather than rely solely on reports.
He said the state government was aware of the challenges and would initiate the necessary processes towards finding a lasting solution.
The Onu of Ebu commended the delegation for visiting the community but urged the Delta State Government to prioritise the reconstruction of the Ebu–Ukala–Ezi Road, describing it as a major link between the community and the outside world.
The monarch said the deteriorating road had made movement increasingly difficult and was hurting economic activities in the area.
However, some residents expressed caution over the latest government visit, saying similar inspections in the past had failed to produce visible results.
One of them, Mr Ide Idabor, said the community had endured neglect for decades and needed action rather than repeated promises.
Another resident, Kema Ogbolu, said the community had been left behind in terms of infrastructure and appealed to the government to urgently intervene.
With the latest inspection, residents said they hoped the exercise would mark the beginning of actual rehabilitation of the roads and other neglected infrastructure in Ebu.
For the people of the agrarian community, the priority is clear: they want the roads fixed so that farmers, traders, students, motorists and other residents can move freely and reconnect with the rest of Delta State.
