Kalu Withholds Commissioning of Ozuitem–Uzuakoli Road Over Failed Section

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has refused to commission the newly constructed Ozuitem–Uzuakoli road in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, insisting that contractors must first repair a failed section of the project.

Kalu took the decision on Tuesday after commissioning the 5km Alayi–Ugwueke–Akaeze road, a major inter state route linking Abia and Ebonyi states.

He disclosed that although the Ozuitem–Uzuakoli road spans about 5.5 kilometres and marks its first major tarring since it was originally built in 1981, a failed portion of about 10 metres had been identified and must be properly fixed before commissioning.

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The Deputy Speaker said the newly commissioned Ugwueke–Akaeze road would enhance connectivity between states in the South-East and South-South regions, while boosting trade and commercial activities among benefiting communities.

Addressing concerns over the Ozuitem–Uzuakoli project, Kalu directed the contractors to immediately return to site and correct the defects, stressing that public infrastructure must meet acceptable standards.

“I will not commission that road until the failed portions are fixed. For me, leadership is about responsibility. We cannot compromise quality,” he said.

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He clarified that the section of the road circulating on social media had not been commissioned and was still undergoing construction, adding that the defective portion had already been excavated and would be reconstructed with stone base, cement pavement and asphalt.

Kalu recalled that the road, which links Ozuitem and Uzuakoli communities through Elugwumba, had been abandoned for over two decades and was delivered as part of his campaign promises to the people of Bende Federal Constituency.

He assured residents that the contractors would complete the remedial works before the road is officially commissioned.