O NE can’t make an omelette without breaking eggs” is a mid 19th century proverb which simply means that it is not possible to accomplish something worthwhile without adverse effects elsewhere.
Nothing aptly captures the above proverb better than the discomfort Aba residednts and other users of the popular Faulks Road, a major street located in the commercial city, are undergoing as a result of the current construction work on the road.
For the road users to get to their destination or access other adjoining roads to Faulks Road, they have to make some detours and sometimes their movement is delayed.
Ifeobara basin, an artificial lake, collects run off storm water from most part of Aba, especially the Ariaria area.
The basin is usually filled with domestic waste, debris, silts and sediments which impedes the underground drains to discharge water whenever there is heavy rain because they are blocked
According to expert opinion, desilting Ifeobara basin is strategic to a successful reconstruction of Faulks Road. Also, Ifeobara is a major contributor to the problems Ukwu-Mango and the flood water along Faulks. Therefore, complimenting the road reconstruction with 5.6km underground water channel would proffer a lasting solution to the lingering problems of both Ukwu- Mango and the flood water along Faulks Road.
Since the flag- off for the reconstruction of the road, work has been in earnest.It is an indisputable fact that Faulks Road is very strategic to the commercial life of Aba, the commercial- nerve of Abia State and indeed the South East for mulifarious reasons.
The road begins from Brass Junction by Aba-Owerri Road through Ukwu-mango to Aba-Port Harcourt Expressway. It also serves a major link to Ariaria International Market, Umuocham, Umule, MCC, Tonimas junction by Port- Harcourt- Enugu express way.
Indeed, there must be a moment of discomfort before comfort is achieved. Residents of Umuola, Ukaegbu, Umuojima, Ehere, among other roads in Aba where Ikpeazu’s infrastructure revolution has taken its strides are good witnesses of this.
Okechukwu Keshi,
keshiafrica@gmail.com
and then