After years of persistent complaints from residents and road users, the Chairman of Oshimili South Local Government Area, Dr. Kelvin Obi Ezenyili, has announced plans to commence the reconstruction of the long-neglected Council Back Road, describing the project as a critical step toward improving access and safety around the council secretariat.

Dr. Ezenyili disclosed this on Tuesday shortly after signing the 2026 Appropriation Bill into law at the Executive Complex of the Council Secretariat in Asaba, noting that the rehabilitation of the road has become a priority due to the hardship it has caused commuters and staff of the council.

According to him, the road has deteriorated over the years, forcing many visitors and workers to rely solely on the busy highway to access the secretariat.

“We have received a lot of complaints about the council back road,” the chairman said. “The condition of the road has pushed many people to come into the council through the highway, and of course that is not always safe for a lot of people.”

He explained that the council would immediately begin preparatory steps for the project, with the aim of ensuring that significant work is completed before the peak of the rainy season.

“It is better that by the grace of God, once resources are made available, we commence the construction so that before the rains become very serious, a high level of progress would have been achieved in fixing that road,” he said.

The council back road, which serves as an alternative access route to the local government secretariat and adjoining neighbourhoods, has for years been plagued by potholes, erosion and poor drainage, making it difficult for vehicles and pedestrians to navigate, especially during the rainy season.

Dr. Ezenyili expressed confidence that once the project is completed, it would significantly ease movement within the area and improve public perception of the council’s infrastructure drive.

“I know that at the end of the day, when the road is done, people will be very happy and will commend the local government because it is a very vital road,” he stated.

As part of preparations for the project, the chairman also urged residents and property owners along the road corridor to cooperate with the council by respecting approved building setbacks.

“We must discuss with the neighbours resident on that street so they can adjust any extensions or structures around the perimeter of their houses in line with approved limits by the state and local government,” he said. “By the time construction begins, nobody should complain that their properties were affected because they already know the boundaries of their residences.”

The planned reconstruction forms part of the broader infrastructure agenda embedded in the newly signed 2026 budget, which the chairman said is designed to deliver people-oriented projects and improve the living conditions of residents across the wards of Oshimili South.

Observers say the rehabilitation of the council back road, once completed, will not only enhance access to the secretariat but also reduce traffic pressure on nearby major roads while improving safety for staff, visitors and residents who use the route daily.

With the budget now signed into law, the council leadership has indicated that implementation of key projects; including the long-awaited road reconstruction, will commence without delay, signaling what officials describe as a renewed commitment to grassroots development in Oshimili South.