Ugo Nosiri, Owerri
Residents of Egbu community in Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State are counting their losses after the state government commenced the demolition of shanties and business outlets in other to expand the Owerri-Umuahia Road.
Residents and owners of the demolished structures have,however, expressed mixed feelings over the exercise.
A resident of the community Mr. Frank Egere, is of the opinion that the road ought to be expanded.
Mr. Egere maintained that for such a major road to be expanded, sacrifices must be made for development to come to our doorstep. Thus, shanties obstructing the expansion have to be demolished.
However, one of the victims of the demolition, who gave her name as Ms Esther, lamented that demolishing their wares during a period of economic hardship across the country is too much to bear.
According to Imo State Commissioner for Works, Ralph Nwosu, the road expansions which is a Federal Government project being undertaken by the Imo State Government became necessary due to the constricted nature of the road.
“The State government is committed to completing the road construction in line with best engineering practices, to ensure a wider road,” Nwosu reportedly said.
The demolition, which began last week, involved structures within the Right Of Way from Egbu to Emekuku communities.
