Project Verification: No Work Going On Along Umuahia-Bende-Arochukwu Road

The call for an independent media verification of projects attracted by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu by Chief Iheanyi Chinasa is still attracting the attention of several interest groups, including journalists, town unions, religious bodies, and politicians among others.

On Saturday, October 25, 2025, a team of journalists went on a media verification of some of the projects (completed and ongoing) attracted by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu as listed and published by his media office.

This time around, it was to verify if work is going on on the Umuahia-Bende- Arochuchukwu Road as claimed by the Deputy Speaker.

The team travelled from Umuahia to Ozu Abam, to Arochuchukwu, but to their utter disappointment, no sign of work on any section of the road.

Dreamnews reports that the team could confirm so many failed portions of the road which have become a nightmare to road users who ply that road on daily bases.

Speaking to a commercial driver who plies the road at Ameke Abam, The man who gave his name as John Orji lamented the bad condition of the road and regretted why a respected man as Hon. Benjamin Kalu would play politics with such a serious issue.

“You can see that there is no work going on anywhere. The road is very bad and it is affecting us, the drivers. You can’t drive for two minutes without meeting a bad spot. I always carry those women who sell plantains, garri, rice and to Umuahia. They will complain that we are charging them high, but this road spoils our car every time. So I don’t know why Benjamin Kalu will play politics with it. It is a serious matter.”

Fortunately at Ozu Abam, it was their market day and Dreamnews interacted with the locals at the market.

Mrs Ngozi Nkwonta who is from Anambra State but resides in Abia State said the condition of the road has made transport fare to double.

“I come here to buy farm produce and sell in Umuahia. I am from Anambra State but I have lived in Abia State for many years. This road is making things difficult for us. Sometimes our car will fall and our goods will spoil.”

“If Benjamin Kalu said he is working on the road, you can see nothing is happening here.”

“But let the governor Alex Otti do it if he cannot do it.”

Similarly, the disilting of the Onuinyan River in Bende by the Nigerian College of Fisheries, attracted by Hon. Benjamin Kalu is yet to happen.

Investigation by Dreamnews showed that nothing of such is taking place anywhere on the river.

Findings showed only a sign board advertising the project, strategically positioned at the head of the bridge on the river along Umuahia-Bende road.