Sapele: Gana/Ugberikoko Residents Lament Neglect, Urge Chairman, Abeke, To Fix Collapsing Road

By Endurance Ikanone

Residents of Gana and Ugberikoko in Sapele Local Governrent Area of Delta State, have raised the alarm over the fast-deteriorating condition of the Gana/Ugberikoko Road, accusing the Sapele Local Government Chairman, Hon. Bright Abeke, of abandoning them to hardship.

The residents, who spoke to newsmen, lamented that several sections of the road had become death traps, posing serious threats to motorists, tricycle operators (popularly known as keke), and other road users.

According to them, unless urgent intervention is carried out, the road may soon become completely impassable.

ALSO READ: Anioma State Creation: ‘Influential’ 200-Member Committee Inaugurated

Parts of the road identified as critical danger zones include the stretch at Igbayo after ABC Chemist, immediately after the Gana Market, the Otuedor Junction axis, and the portion near the power line close to the former Good Mother Bread Bakery. Others include the Wanix area by Rex Hotel, among other failing spots.

“Chairman Bright Abeke has left us to suffer. This road is a disaster waiting to happen. Keke drivers are already avoiding this place because their keke break down daily. We have spent all our savings on keke repairs,” said Mr. James Kogoro, a resident and commercial tricycle operator in the area.

Another resident, Mrs. Esther Okoh, lamented the impact on schoolchildren and pregnant women. “When it rains, the road becomes flooded. Children going to school get drenched, and pregnant women are at serious risk of falling. Those working with our local government chairman should be able to drag his attention to this suffering. It is possible that nobody has informed him.”

Newsmen gathered that the bad condition of the road has also led to rising transport fares, further worsening the cost of living for residents.

“For a journey that used to cost ₦100, we now pay ₦200 or more because keke drivers say they must factor in repairs. Many of us are artisans and petty traders. The stress is killing us,” said Miss Anthonia Okoro, a hairdresser.

Residents said they expected that Chairman Bright Abeke, being familiar with the terrain and its challenges, would have prioritized the repair of the road at the inception of his administration. Instead, they said, nothing tangible has been done so far.

Some residents expressed disappointment, alleging that the local government only focuses on the township area while neglecting inner parts like Gana and Ugberikoko.

“This road links many communities. It is not a luxury to fix it; it is a necessity. We are calling on Hon. Bright Abeke to wake up. His silence is painful,” Mr. Monday Orugbo added.

“We are not asking for a new road—just fix the failed portions. Even sand filling and grading will go a long way for now. Why must we suffer like this?” said a youth spokesperson who pleaded anonymity.

As of the time of filing this report, efforts to reach the Sapele Local Government Council Chairman, Hon. Bright Abeke, for comment proved abortive as calls to his known mobile number were not successful.