Deputy Speaker Orders Immediate Repair of Ozuitem–Uzuakoli Road

By Oluwakemi Kindness

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has directed contractors handling the 5.5km Ozuitem–Uzuakoli Road in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State to immediately fix a failed section, insisting the road will not be commissioned until the defects are fully addressed.

According to a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, Kalu gave the directive after commissioning the 5km Alayi–Ugwueke–Akaeze Road, a key route linking Abia and Ebonyi states.

The newly commissioned Alayi–Ugwueke–Akaeze Road is among several infrastructure projects attracted by Kalu, who represents Bende Federal Constituency at the National Assembly.

He said the road will strengthen connectivity between states in the South-East and South-South, while boosting trade and economic activities in the region.

Speaking on the Ozuitem–Uzuakoli Road project, Kalu noted that the road is receiving its first asphalt overlay since 1981, when it was originally constructed during the administration of Sam Mbakwe in the old Imo State.

He stressed that despite the progress made, the road will not be inaugurated until the failed section—estimated at about 10 to 20 metres—is properly repaired.

“I have driven on the Ozuitem–Uzuakoli Road and noticed portions that need special attention. I will not commission that road until those sections are fixed,” Kalu said.

He explained that the affected portion has already been excavated and is awaiting repairs with cement pavement and asphalt, urging the contractors to return to site immediately and complete the work to standard.

Kalu also addressed concerns circulating on social media, clarifying that the road is still under construction and has not been commissioned.

“When a road is still under construction and a defect is noticed, the right thing is to fix it. That is exactly what we are doing,” he said, adding that the project fulfills a long-standing campaign promise to restore access between Ozuitem and Uzuakoli through the Elugwumba community, a route that had been neglected for over two decades.

Reaffirming his commitment to accountability, the Deputy Speaker said leadership must be driven by integrity and service to the people, noting that all defects must be corrected before public infrastructure is formally handed over for use.