AN OPEN LETTER TO HIS EXCELLENCY, DISTINGUISHED SENATOR HOPE UZODINMA, EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF IMO STATE -

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AN OPEN LETTER TO HIS EXCELLENCY, DISTINGUISHED SENATOR HOPE UZODINMA, EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF IMO STATE

My Able Governor, His Excellency Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodinma,

Let me begin by saying that you are indeed a Governor whose interest is centred on the development, transformation, and infrastructural upliftment of Imo State.

I will not fail to acknowledge that the number and scale of projects being executed during your second tenure are remarkable for a Nigerian state administration. The speed at which projects are initiated and completed is highly encouraging. Let me once again say that you have done well, and may God continue to bless you and give you wisdom as you lead our dear state.

Your Excellency, I would also like to make a humble but important appeal.

It would be a great achievement if, after your tenure, Imo State could boast of a system where taxpayers’ money is not continually spent reconstructing the same roads every few years. This is particularly important because roads such as Ikenegbu Road, Bank Road, Wethral Road, and Douglas Road have received attention from successive administrations, while several other economically important roads across the state and Owerri continue to require attention.

Your Excellency, you may agree with me that continually reconstructing the same roads, without a strong maintenance system, can place unnecessary pressure on the state’s finances. A properly structured road maintenance system would help preserve the roads that have already been constructed and allow government resources to be directed toward other roads and vital infrastructure.

My humble appeal, therefore, is that your administration considers establishing a State Road Maintenance Agency before the end of your tenure. Such an agency should be responsible for regularly inspecting, maintaining, and carrying out minor remedial works on roads across the state.

Your Excellency, let me use the MCC–Urratta Road as an example. Some of the major potholes we see on that road today started as very small defects. With regular inspection and prompt remedial work, many of these problems could have been addressed before becoming major failures. Without proper maintenance, a road constructed at great cost can eventually require another major reconstruction, when relatively small maintenance interventions could have prolonged its lifespan.

A dedicated road maintenance agency would therefore help the state to:

– Protect the huge investments already made in road construction.

– Detect and repair road defects before they become major problems.

– Reduce the frequency and cost of complete road reconstruction.

– Extend the lifespan of existing roads.

– Ensure that other neglected roads across Owerri and the state receive government attention.

– Promote better accountability and long-term planning in road infrastructure.

Your Excellency, my Governor, this is my humble appeal to you: please consider establishing such an agency as part of the lasting legacy of your administration. It would ensure that the roads constructed today are properly maintained for the benefit of generations to come.

You have demonstrated your commitment to infrastructure development. I sincerely believe that putting a sustainable road maintenance system in place would complement the road construction projects already undertaken by your administration and help protect them for the future.

May God bless you, continue to give you wisdom, and bless Imo State.

Yours faithfully,

Maximus Ohanele