The Imo House of Assembly has urged Governor Hope Uzodimma to ensure the rehabilitation of some “critical infrastructure” in Okigwe Local Government Area (LGA).

The house made the call on Tuesday following a motion by the representative of the Okigwe State Constituency, Chidebere Ogbunikpa, at plenary.

While presenting the motion, Mr Ogbunikpa noted that good road networks and other infrastructure play vital roles in the social, economic and political development of an area.

He observed that the governor had rehabilitated the major Okigwe-Owerri road, which had been in a deplorable state for a long time.

The lawmaker, however, noted that some roads in the area, including Ike, Umuchima, Ubaha, Opara and Elezuo roads, had remained impassable, while the Okigwe Township Stadium had been in a bad state for long.

“I urge the House to urge the governor to direct the Ministry of Works and other relevant agencies to rehabilitate the roads before the beginning of the rainy season,” he said.

Supporting the motion, the Aboh Mbaise representative, Ugochukwu Amuchie (PDP), said the desired development would bring Okigwe up to the standards of Owerri and Orlu zones.

He added that the development of Okigwe would also reduce urban migration and help in reducing the overpopulation of Owerri and Orlu zones.

Also supporting the motion, Sam Osuji (APC- Isiala Mbano) called for an immediate renovation of infrastructures before the rainy season and proper stadium rehabilitation to encourage sporting activities.

In his contribution, James Esile (APC-Onuimo) condemned the infrastructural decay in the area and urged the governor to extend his developmental stride to stop further infrastructural breakdown.

Speaking against the motion, Francis Osuoha (APC- Ohaji Egbema) supported the rehabilitation of the stadium but condemned the call for emergency infrastructural work by the state government.

He noted that local government chairs were empowered to carry out emergency work in their locality on behalf of the government.

The speaker, Chike Olemgbe, ruled in favour of the prayers of the motion following a majority vote in support of it.

(NAN)