Jubilation In Awka As Obiano Moves To Build Promised Fly-Over Project
It was jubilation galore by indigenes, residents and commuters alike at the Aroma Junction axis of Awka Anambra State on Saturday as earth-moving equipment, articulated trucks, excavators and loaders from IDC Construction Company Limited mobilized to site and commenced work in earnest to keep the promise of the Anambra State Governor Chief Willie Obiano to construct three fly-overs that would ease traffic congestion within the Awka capital city.
As soon as the earth movers started burrowing the designated area for piling and proceeded to bring down the cenotaph which had adorned the Aroma Round-about since the days of military administrator, Wing Commander Emmanuel Ukegbu 17 years ago, the excitement was visible amongst the petty traders and residents who gathered to observe and marvel at what the Awka landscape would look like in the next one-year when the fly-overs would have been completed.
As part of the activities lined up to commemorate his first 100 days in office, Governor Obiano, had flagged off the construction of three flyovers in the Awka Capital Territory to ensure a free-flow of traffic and easy diversion into the main city of Awka. He had assured then that all the roads to be constructed by his administration would be complemented with street lights to change the landscape of the state capital.
Obiano also stated during the flag-off event that, “What is being done today is in fulfillment of our promise that we will transform Awka into a befitting state capital and we will not relent in achieving this. All we are asking for is the cooperation of everybody as we will not hesitate to deal with anybody who foments trouble in the state.” The Governor stressed then stated further; “I will not renege on my promise to pay the contractors on time. As for the Shopping mall, I have paid them completely and we do not owe them a dime. The mall is expected to be ready in nine months-time while we expect the completion of the flyovers in one year.”
Also speaking during the flag-off, Anambra State Commissioner for Works, Arch Calistus Ilozumba, noted then that though the road was a federal road, the state government was undertaking the construction of the three flyovers and the road construction from Onitsha to Amansea boundary at the cost of N9b.
Reaffirming the commitment of IDC Construction to deliver the Flyovers on schedule, the site Manager, Engr Anthony Hobeiche said that IDC understood the importance the Governor attached to the project and had mobilized to deliver on schedule. He further explained that the piling activities which have commenced would take two weeks at each of the three flyover sites while other construction activities would continue.
One of the many elated residents of Awka, Mr Isaac Okeke could not hide his joy, “I am very happy at what I am seeing today that truly Awka is on the verge of transformation. I have lived in this city for over ten years and I must say this is the first time serious effort is going on to make it a capital city. Governor Obiano is really doing a great job and God will surely bless him.”
On his part Chief Mike Omeife observed, “This is a beautiful sight to behold in Awka, and a good testimony that Governor Obiano is a man of his words. Imagine the turn-around that this project will bring along this axis in two years' time! I can say it loud - the good times are indeed here in Anambra.”
Speaking in the same vein, a petty trader at Aroma Junction, Mrs Nkechi Udeh expressed her joy at the ongoing work noting that though the project would displace them from their place of stay.