Tony Oraeki, Awka
As part of activities marking his 6 months in office as Governor of Anambra state, Professor Charles Soludo flagged off the construction and rehabilitation of about 60.34 km of more roads across the state.
The event began by flagging off the rehabilitation of the 26 km Awba-Ofemili-Amansea road which would be completed within a record time of 16 months.
Disclosing this yesterday in a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Christian Aburime, further said that another road flagged off by the Governor was the 26.4 kilometer Amansea-Ndiukwuenu-Awa-Ufuma road which will also be completed in 4 months.
” The 600 meter stretch of Isu/Igbo, Isuofia/Igboukwu section of the Ekwulobia/Nnobi Road, popularly called ‘Isu/Igbo river was not left out as well as the 7.79 km Akpaka to Basilica road, Onitsha North Council Area.
According to the statement,” While the Isu/Igbo road will be completed in four months time, it is projected that the Akpaka road will be completed by May, next year.
” According to a pact signed between the state and all the contractors, the roads are built to have at least a minimum of twenty years life span.”
Governor Soludo also assured that from Awba-Ofemili, his administration would build a bridge across to Ayamelum, adding that his government has a commitment with Awka North which he is bound to fulfill.
Soludo said, “I’m so emotional about this place. We even have the road we are designing that will pass through Isuaniocha to Urum and so on. The reason this Amansea to Awba-Ofemili road will take such a long time to complete is because the contractor wants the work to be done on dry stone base.
“Today, we are six months in office and as partners, we need your input in terms of advice and otherwise. I still remember that Ebenebe woman and other people who refused financial inducement during the election”.
“Eventhough there is dearth of funds, we are committed to build these roads and more.”
Speaking on the strategic importance of the Amansea-Ndiukwuenu-Awa-Ufuma Road, Governor Soludo explained that with the road in place, Orumba North and South can get to Awka within minutes instead of running round.
In his words: “During the campaign, we went round Orumba, namely; Awa, Ajali, Umunze Nanka, Ezira, and the rest to ask for votes. We say thank you. The All Progressives Grand Alliance is the heritage of Ndi Igbo that should be cherished and nurtured. Ndi Igbo should unite under this party.
“I’ve come back to your place because this is a promise given and will be fulfilled. Hopefully, I’ll come back through here to Amansea by end of December.
“I make special mention of the late Joe Anatune of Awa. He was one big iroko that we lost who believed in the Anambra project. For two years, he relocated to Isuofia, working on it. Before his demise, the late Joe envisioned the Anambra of our dreams. And so we are determined to keep working for he did not die in vain.
“Over the next two months, we will be flagging off many roads. But we just began with the strategic ones. We will do this road in two phases. In addition to whatever we are already doing here, we are exploring phase two which is the longer term intervention of channeling the flood water collected here to Agulu lake. And mind you, most of these roads are federal roads. Our people are suffering and we can’t continue to wait for the federal. We will continue to fix them, as much as funds allow us”. Governor Soludo further reassured.
