Obiano embarks on N10 bn longest bridge, massive road projects in Anambra East/West

By Emeka Ozumba

In line with the policy of opening up roads leading to the food baskets and agrarian communities in the hinterland of the state, Anambra State governor Chief Willie Obiano has embarked on construction of the longest bridge of 200 metres in addition to several road projects in Anambra East and Anambra West Local Government Areas. The roads include the second phase of the Umeze – Anam – Mmiata - Nzam road in Anambra West Local Government Area and Aguleri – Nando Road, as well as Meze Idigo Street, Justice Chinwuba Street, Premier Street, First Bank Street, and Okonkwo Manafa Street, Ama-igwe Square and major erosion control project, all in Aguleri, Anambra East LGA.

Flagging off the second phase of about 11 kilometres Umueze – Anam – Mmiata - Nzam road with a major bridge during the week, governor Obiano said that the government would spend a total sum of N10 billion on the projects which will be completed in three years. Governor Obiano who also commissioned the Mmiata Electricity project, stated that “the road is of strategic importance as it traverses major food-producing communities and farm settlements, and when completed, would boost socio-economic activities in the area. Rest assured that my administration would continue to spread democracy dividends to all parts of the State, your duty is to give APGA victory by voting for the party's flag bearers in the coming elections in order to sustain the course of good governance.”

The governor noted that all the access roads in the area were constructed by APGA government in addition to other developmental projects in education, electricity, water, health, and other sectors and urged the people to reciprocate the gesture by voting massively for all APGA candidates in the coming elections.

The Commissioner for Works, Sir Callistus Ilozumba recalled the deplorable condition of the road and its difficult terrain before the intervention of the State government, and assured that when completed, it would have all the components of a standard road. Sir Callistus observed that the government embarked on urban upgrading of projects in all parts of the State to further improve mass infrastructural development and noted that, when completed, the projects would give the area a facelift.

The traditional ruler of Aguleri, Igwe Christopher Idigo thanked the governor for his various ongoing projects in the area and urged the people to obtain their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) for the coming elections.

Earlier, the Chairman, Anambra East Local Government Council, Mr. Hillary Udawo said the governor had remained responsive to the needs and aspirations of the people.

The member representing Anambra West in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Victor Okoye said, when completed, the road would give access to to all parts of the LGA and noted that governor Obiano had kept his word as he had continued to fulfill promises made to the people.

Earlier, the Chairman, Anambra West council, Simon Onuorah disclosed that the intervention had brought a new dawn to the area.

Governor Obiano who also inaugurated six roads namely Meze Idigo Street, Justice Chinwuba Street, Premier Street, First Bank Street, Okonkwo Manafa Street and Ama-igwe Square and major erosion control project, all in Aguleri, revealed that the projects would cost N1 billion, with a completion period of one year. He said that the project would be extended to other internal roads in the area and enjoined residents of the area to give the contractor total support to deliver on schedule.

Speaking while flagging off the 7.8 kilometre Aguleri – Nando Road awarded at the cost of N2 billion, governor Obiano stated that the project would be completed within 12 months. The governor said that his administration was depending on huge resources to open up rural communities, stressing that the mass infrastructural development in rural communities would enhance effective harnessing of human and material resources as well as bridge the gap between urban and rural areas. According to Obiano, the projects would fast-track physical development and attract investments to the area, and assured that the road would have street light and other road infrastructure.

The Commissioner for Works recalled that no single road was tarred in the area before the inception of APGA government and noted that governor Obiano in fulfillment of his promise embarked on many road projects in the area, including the dual carriage access roads to the airport site at Umueri.

He explained that the road would provide major access to Otuocha and alternative route to other parts of the State and assured that the project was awarded to a competent contractor to deliver best quality.

In his remark, the member representing Anambra East in the State House of Assembly, Mr. Obinna Emenaka thanked the governor for giving the community access to the outside world and noted that the governor was living up to expectation. One of the contractors handling the projects,, in the area, Chief Adolf Izuegbu said the governor was determined to transform the State and raise the standard of living of the people.