Imo State’s budget has been signed, but will the money reach the people who need it most? A human rights group is asking tough questions about where the funds will actually go.
- HURIWA is calling for more focus on rural areas
- Concerns are rising about infrastructure decay and insecurity
- The 2025 budget has been increased to ₦807 billion
Imo State’s Budget: Ambitious Plans or Empty Promises?
Governor Hope Uzodimma recently signed off on a hefty ₦807 billion budget for 2025, a jump from the initial ₦756 billion. A large chunk of this, around 86%, is marked for capital projects. That sounds great, right? But, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) is urging caution. They say that the on-the-ground situation paints a different picture. While they recognize progress on federal roads, they’re raising concerns about the state of local governance.
Local Governments: ‘Ungoverned Spaces’?
HURIWA is claiming that many local government areas in Imo are essentially ‘ungoverned spaces’, where infrastructure is crumbling and basic services are missing. They report that over 60% of the state’s geographical area suffers from neglect. This includes not just rural roads, but also basic amenities like running water. Many communities are forced to rely on unsafe water sources such as ponds, which increases the risk of waterborne diseases.
A Road to Nowhere
One glaring example of this neglect is the road from Okwe to Arondizuogu. Built years ago, potentially by the NDDC or a past administration, it’s now practically impassable. Erosion is threatening to cut it off entirely, which would isolate numerous communities. This is not just an inconvenience; it’s a potential disaster that could sever a vital link for people in Onuimo, Okigwe, and Ideato North Local Government Areas.
Urban Areas Aren’t Spared
The decay isn’t confined to rural areas; even urban centers like Owerri, Orlu, and Okigwe are feeling the impact. Roads built decades ago are falling apart, and services such as traffic control are ineffective. In Owerri, HURIWA noted how traffic rules are often ignored, and the traffic controllers often solicit money from drivers. This chaos is compounded by police who appear disengaged.
Traffic Trouble
They also mentioned how major routes, like the road from Rockview Hotel to Assumpta Cathedral, are arbitrarily blocked in the evening, causing unnecessary traffic jams and frustration.
A Glimmer of Hope, but More Needs To Be Done
It’s not all doom and gloom. HURIWA acknowledged Governor Uzodimma’s work on federal highways linking Owerri to Okigwe and Orlu. However, they say these efforts are not enough. They stress that development and governance must reach all parts of the state, not just major roads.
The Big Question
Will Governor Uzodimma’s budget finally address the needs of neglected rural areas and decaying urban infrastructures? Only time will tell, but HURIWA’s call to action puts the spotlight squarely on the state’s local governance.
The people of Imo State, from rural villages to urban centers, deserve basic amenities, functional infrastructure, and good governance. It’s time for the money to reach beyond the main roads and into the heart of the communities.
About The Author
