Residents of Umuafai Ibeku in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State have raised concerns over the pace of work on the 4.32 kilometre Orpet Umuafai Lodu Ahiaeke Road, citing health challenges linked to dust generated from the construction site.
Community members and traders along the corridor appealed to the Abia State Government to intervene by urging the contractor to hasten work or adopt temporary measures to reduce dust from laterite used on the road.
A shop owner, who identified herself as Nkechi, said traders in the area have repeatedly expressed concerns about dust settling on goods and affecting their wellbeing. She said the situation has made daily business difficult, particularly for small scale traders who depend on the road for livelihood.
According to her, appeals through radio programmes for faster progress have not yielded visible results, prompting residents to seek the attention of Governor Alex Otti.
“We are worried about the dust that settles on our products and affects our health. A doctor advised me to temporarily close my shop, but that would mean losing income. We hope the government can look into this and provide relief,” she said.
Another trader, Mrs Mercy Onuoha, also called for improved site management, suggesting that measures such as temporary surfacing or regular watering of the road could reduce dust while construction continues.
She noted that although work has been ongoing, residents would appreciate clearer progress timelines and interim steps to ease their daily challenges.
“Our concern is mainly about the dust. Even if the project is still ongoing, sprinkling water or applying temporary coating would help protect residents and traders from constant exposure,” she said.
A medical practitioner who lives in the area and requested anonymity highlighted the potential health implications of prolonged exposure to dust, especially for young children.
He explained that dusty environments can aggravate respiratory conditions and advised parents to take extra precautions to protect infants and toddlers.
“Dust particles can carry microorganisms and may affect people with weaker immunity, including children. Reducing dust exposure is important for public health,” he said, while also calling on the contractor to adopt dust control measures as work progresses.
Recall that Governor Alex Otti, during the project’s flag off in March 2025, said the Orpet Umuafai Lodu Ahiaeke Road, alongside the 3.79 kilometre Ahiaeke Okwuta Bende Road, was part of a broader plan to expand Umuahia, boost local commerce and open up economic opportunities.
The governor had expressed optimism that the completed roads would ease transportation challenges and improve the quality of life for residents and businesses in the area.
However, residents of Umuafai say they are hopeful that additional steps will be taken to address their immediate concerns while awaiting the project’s completion.
Umuafai Residents Voice Health Concerns Over Dust from Ongoing Road Project
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