"OUR FOOD IS ROTTING ON THE ROADS": UZO-UWANI RESIDENTS AND FARMERS CRY OUT OVER DEPLORABLE ROAD NETWORK IN ENUGU’S AGRICULTURAL HUB

Residents, commercial drivers, and agricultural producers in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State have expressed deep frustration over the deplorable condition of the main road network connecting their communities to urban markets across the state.

​Uzo-Uwani, renowned as the agricultural backbone and primary food basket of Enugu State, produces vast quantities of rice, cassava, yam, plantain, and palm oil. However, the severe degradation of the rural roads has left farm produce trapped, leading to widespread spoilage and soaring food transport costs.

​During the ongoing rainy season, major arterial routes through Adani, Nkpologu, Nimbo, and surrounding agrarian communities have deteriorated into thick mud traps and deep gullies. Motorists and commercial buses are frequently stranded for hours, forcing commuters to disembark and push vehicles through heavily flooded muddy tracks.

​Community leaders and local youth groups pointed out that the lack of motorable access roads directly undermines local economic potential and worsens food inflation in urban centers like Nsukka and Enugu metropolis.

​"Uzo-Uwani feeds Enugu State, yet we are completely cut off whenever rain falls. Our harvests rot in the farms while transporters charge exorbitant fares just to navigate the mud. We are begging Governor Peter Mbah and relevant authorities to intervene urgently and construct durable roads so we can feed the state without dying in agony."

​Key Concerns Raised by the Community

​Economic Losses and Food Wastage: Farmers report that tons of perishable agricultural produce decay on farm tracks due to the inability of commercial buyers and heavy trucks to access rural markets.

​Exorbitant Transport Fares: Commuters and traders face tripled transportation costs as drivers charge premium rates to navigate treacherous, mud-choked terrain.

​Security and Emergency Risks: Residents noted that broken-down vehicles on isolated, muddy stretches expose travelers and traders to heightened security risks and criminal exploitation.

​Direct Appeal to Government: The community urged the Enugu State Government to extend its ongoing infrastructure projects to Uzo-Uwani's key agricultural corridors to unlock the economic potential of the region.