——— Pledges Zero Tolerance For Potholes In Imo State
By Ibe Innocent Ugonna_
In a bid to revolutionize road maintenance in Imo State, the newly constituted board of the Imo Road Maintenance Agency (IROMA) has unveiled an ambitious plan to ensure that every road in the state remains in good condition.
This initiative is in line with Governor Hope Uzodimma’s vision of zero tolerance for potholes. Under the leadership of Barr. Kingsley Ononuju, IROMA has outlined a comprehensive strategy to maintain both urban and rural roads across the state’s 27 local government areas.
The agency’s mandate is a significant departure from its predecessor, the Imo Rural Roads Maintenance Agency (IRROMA), which focused solely on rural roads.
IROMA’s plan includes the appointment of road monitors in each local government area to track road conditions and report issues. Dedicated communication channels, including hotlines and WhatsApp numbers, will be provided for citizens to report road damage, supported by geotagged images and videos for verification. A road inspection task force will also conduct on-site visits to verify reports and ensure timely maintenance work.
To achieve its goals, IROMA will engage local communities, business leaders, and transport unions in its mission. The agency will hold stakeholder meetings with local government chairmen, traditional rulers, and private sector players to identify priority roads, understand community needs, and explore sponsorship opportunities.
Additionally, IROMA aims to provide part-time jobs to youths across communities for regular desilting of drainage systems, a critical step in preserving roads.
IROMA also intends to seek partnerships with international organizations, including the World Bank and the African Development Bank, to secure additional funding. The agency’s ultimate goal is to establish a sustainable system that ensures road maintenance continues beyond the current administration.
According to Barr. Ononuju, IROMA will adopt preventive maintenance strategies, utilize technology for real-time monitoring, and implement accountability measures to enhance efficiency.
Barr. Ononuju emphasized the agency’s commitment to achieving Governor Hope Uzodimma’s vision, stating, “There is no state in the federation with a specialized road maintenance agency like IROMA. This team is made up of experts in the field, engineers, and professionals. We have been given the trust of the government and the people of Imo State. We must not fail them.” With a clear mandate, strategic plans, and an unwavering commitment to service, IROMA is poised to make a significant impact on road maintenance in Imo State.
