Umuaka News24

Umuaka News24 | Wednesday ,22nd April, 2026

Residents of Umuaka have raised concerns over the state of roads in their community following the completion of a newly tarred road in Okwudor executed with funds from the Njaba Local Government Council.

The Okwudor project, located in the home community of the Njaba LGA Chairman was recently completed.
Meanwhile, several major roads in Umuaka remain in a dilapidated state, with deep potholes, erosion channels, and failed sections affecting daily movement.

Umuaka is home to Afor Umuaka market one of the largest commercial hubs in imo state. Traders, transporters and business owners in Umuaka contribute significantly to the council’s internally generated revenue through market tolls, shop rates, vehicle emblems and other levies. Community leaders say Umuaka generates a major share of the funds that sustain the local government.

A survey of Umuaka shows deteriorating conditions on key routes: The main roads leading to Afor Umuaka market have multiple failed sections, causing gridlock on market days and damaging goods.
Roads connecting Isiozi, Amakor, Achara, Ugbele, and other villages are riddled with craters and are barely motorable during rainfall.

Routes to Hospital Umuaka and several primary and secondary schools are affected, complicating emergency and school runs.

Traders told Umuaka News24 that the poor roads increase transport costs and reduce patronage, especially from buyers outside Umuaka. Vehicle operators report frequent breakdowns and high maintenance costs.

Speaking to Umuaka News24, a youth leader who asked not to be named said: “We see that Njaba money can tar roads. Our question is simple — when will Njaba money touch Umuaka roads? We are not against Okwudor. We are saying Umuaka should not be abandoned.”

A market woman at Afor Umuaka added: “Every day we pay our market fees. That money goes to Njaba. But look at our road. It is not fair.”

Community stakeholders are urging the Njaba Local Government Council to:
Conduct an immediate assessment of Umuaka’s critical roads.
Commence grading and palliative work before heavy rains worsen the situation.
Include major Umuaka roads in the council’s 2026 capital projects and publish a work schedule.

They argue that rehabilitating Umuaka roads is not only a matter of equity but also economic strategy, as better roads will increase commercial activity and, in turn, council revenue.

As of press time, the Njaba Local Government Council has not issued a statement on plans for Umuaka roads.

Umuaka News24 will continue to monitor the situation and report on any response from the council or commencement of works in Umuaka.

For complaints, project tips, or official responses, contact Umuaka News24.