(DDM) – The Itsekiri Environmental Protection Initiative (IEPI) has raised urgent alarms over a collapsing road linking Ugbuwangue and NPA New Port in Warri, Delta State.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) notes that the road, which has suffered years of neglect, now poses deadly risks to commuters, motorists, and local residents.
The warning came during a World Cleanup Day awareness campaign organized by IEPI, aimed at highlighting environmental hazards and the consequences of poor infrastructure.
The campaign was prompted by the tragic death of Miss Agirly Obinini, who lost her life after a driver swerved into oncoming traffic to avoid a flooded section of the road.
IEPI Project Committee Chairman, Bibi Oye, stressed that repairing the road is not just about transport, but a matter of public health, safety, and environmental preservation.
Oye explained that poor drainage along the road allows oil runoff from nearby industries to spill into waterways, worsening flooding and threatening aquatic and terrestrial wildlife in the fragile Delta ecosystem.
“Every day this road remains in its current state, lives are at risk, and the environment continues to suffer,” Oye said.
The environmental group urged the Delta State Government, the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), and the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) to immediately launch repair works.
They also called for long-term maintenance strategies, including proper drainage systems, regular inspections, and community monitoring to prevent future disasters.
Local community leaders joined IEPI’s call, describing the project as critical for saving lives and preserving the fragile ecological balance of the region.
Residents lamented that flooding has worsened in recent years, submerging parts of the road for days after heavy rains, forcing drivers to take dangerous detours or risk accidents.
Experts warn that continued neglect could lead to more fatalities, particularly among motorcyclists, commercial drivers, and school commuters who use the road daily.
Oye highlighted that the road is also a conduit for economic activities, linking residential areas with ports, markets, and industrial zones, meaning repairs would benefit commerce and safety simultaneously.
The campaign further emphasized that environmental stewardship is tied directly to human safety, as oil spillages and blocked waterways increase the risk of waterborne diseases and disrupt local biodiversity.
DDM gathered that IEPI intends to submit a formal petition to the state government, demanding immediate action, while also organizing volunteer groups to assist with short-term cleanups and drainage improvements.
Community advocates have vowed to monitor government response closely, warning that continued inaction could lead to protests or legal action to compel repairs.
Oye concluded, “Fixing this road is more than infrastructure; it is about protecting human lives, safeguarding our environment, and preserving the integrity of the Delta.”
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