Umueri: Ex-Ohaneze leader writes Soludo, demands link road to Chinua Achebe airport
ABUJA – The Umueri community in Anambra State has called for the urgent construction of a direct link road connecting their town to the Chinua Achebe International Airport, a crucial infrastructure located on their land.
The community, which played a significant role in hosting the airport, is concerned that the lack of a proper road to the facility undermines its potential economic benefits and limits local accessibility.
In a letter addressed to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, the people of Umueri highlighted the airport’s importance in enhancing connectivity, boosting tourism, and spurring economic development in the region. However, they emphasized that without a convenient and accessible route to the airport, these benefits cannot be fully realized, particularly for the host community.
The letter was signed by Ikemba Buchi Diboh, the former President of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Malaysia Chapter, reflecting the collective voice of the Umueri people.
The letter pointed out the counterproductive nature of forcing Umueri residents to travel through two neighboring communities just to reach the airport, which is located on their land. This situation, the community leaders argue, not only hinders the community’s ability to utilize the airport but also restricts the economic opportunities that could arise from the airport’s proximity..
The community acknowledged that infrastructure development requires careful planning and resource allocation but urged the state government to prioritize the link road as part of the ongoing efforts to enhance the state’s livability and foster economic development.
The letter stressed, “The absence of a direct and accessible road for the host community, Umueri and other towns in Omambala to reach this vital infrastructure undermines the very benefits that the airport is intended to provide.
“Umueri has made considerable sacrifices for the success of the airport project, and it is only fair that the town is afforded the opportunity to access it conveniently. Improved transportation infrastructure is a catalyst for economic growth.”
