The Ihiteowerri Ward Stakeholders Forum (IWSF) has appealed to Rep. Canice Nwachukwu, the member representing the Orlu/Orsu/Oru-East Federal Constituency of Imo, to prioritise the rehabilitation of roads and bridges in the area.

The forum’s coordinator, Ezeikpe Emejuru, made the appeal when he led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the lawmaker on Saturday in Abuja.

The stakeholders, representing four autonomous communities that make up the densely populated Ihiteowerri Ward in the Orlu Local Government Area, commended Mr Nwachukwu’s contributions in the National Assembly.

Mr Emejuru said insecurity in the area in recent years had crippled businesses and livelihoods but noted that stability was gradually returning.

“The good news today is that many residents have returned, but their jobs and businesses remain in shambles.

“There is an urgent need for the rehabilitation and construction of connecting roads and bridges that serve as gateways from Ihiteowerri Ward to neighbouring towns and local government areas,” he said.

Mr Emejuru listed key roads requiring attention, including the Isi-Ihiteowerri road, which leads to the broken bridge connecting Uzubi in Ideato LGA, and the Obinugwu road, which leads to the fallen bridge linking Obodoukwu in Ideato LGA.

He said others are the Akpuru bridge connecting Ihitenansa in Orsu LGA and the Ezerioha road leading to the bridge linking Akwaihedi town in the Nnewi South LGA of Anambra.

“Your urgent intervention will go a long way to curb insecurity, revive commercial activities, and strengthen voter confidence in your political leadership,” he said.

He added that the forum was aware of the budgetary limitations facing lawmakers but urged Mr Nwachukwu to leverage the 2025 supplementary and 2026 annual budgets to prioritise the projects.

“Honourable Sir, you cannot conclude your current mandate without addressing the gully erosion that has destroyed homes and threatens to displace communities in Ihiteowerri Ward,” Mr Emejuru said.

He also urged the lawmaker to lobby relevant agencies, such as the NDDC or SEDC, to attract solar-powered streetlights to the communities to enhance safety and public confidence.

The statement also quoted Mr Nwachukwu as appreciating the forum for its support and pledging to continue providing effective representation in the green chamber.

(NAN)