Anambra Community Appeals for Access Roads to Vital Fishing Lakes

The Umuoba Anam Community, situated in Anambra West Local Government Area of Anambra State, has made a plea to Governor Charles Soludo for the construction of access roads leading to their primary fishing lakes.

Community elders and leaders voiced this appeal on Monday during a tour with journalists to inspect the Isaa, Iwelle, and Iwalaa fishing lakes.

They highlighted severe concerns regarding post-harvest losses, attributing them directly to the deteriorated state of the roads that serve the lakes.

The construction of these roads, they explained, would significantly ease the transportation of fresh fish to nearby urban centres, thereby stimulating economic growth within the community.

Community leaders access the lakes predominantly via motorcycles and bicycles, which makes transporting fish in commercial quantities to markets an arduous task.

“We are compelled to dry our fish, rather than selling them fresh, because vehicles struggle to reach the lakes,” stated Sunday Nduba, Chairperson of the Mmevo Ruling Council.

Mr. Nduba added, “The creation of a road from Iyiora Anam to the lakes would substantially enhance our livelihoods.”

He further suggested that with enhanced infrastructure, including good roads, solar lighting, and potable water, their fishing festivals could rival national events like the Argungu Fishing Festival and emerge as a significant tourist draw for Anambra State.

Ignatius Obadiegwu, the Council Secretary, also called upon the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to partner with the Anambra State Government in developing these lakes into profitable tourist destinations.

Onyebuchi Mmeh, President of the Umuoba Anam Youth Council, acknowledged the governor's development efforts in other parts of the state but requested similar road projects for their community to bolster fishing and tourism.

Mr. Mmeh specifically requested the provision of quality roads, solar power, and pipe-borne water to improve residents' living standards and support the local economy.

Chukwudi Nwakonuche, a member of the community, raised security issues, noting that the absence of streetlights leaves fishermen vulnerable to robbery and snake bites.

“We require solar lights to improve visibility and safety during the night in our community,” he asserted.

A fisherman, Ignatius Nnekwe, listed several local fish species abundant in the lakes, including okpo, egbili, ikele, obo, asa, ikpokpo, and ipete.

However, Mr. Nnekwe reiterated that the lack of adequate road access remains the primary obstacle hindering their fishing enterprise.

He implored the government to urgently address this issue to mitigate their substantial post-harvest losses and increase their income from fishing.