By Our Reporter
Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo has disclosed that the N60 billion dualization of Amawbia–Agulu– Nanka–Uga would be completed within twelve months.
Soludo also allayed fears over purported plans for demolition of structures along the road, assuring that any building or structure constructed within the 45.7-meter setback from the center of the road would not be affected.
The Anambra Commissioner for Works, Engr. Ifeanyi Okeoma, who spoke to reporters in his office, stated that the state government was deliberate about connecting the state across the three Senatorial Districts. He explained the rationale for the dualization project and its socio-economic impact in the state when completed.
“Firstly, we are addressing the connectivity needs of the state. During festive season, you can spend three to four hours in traffic in Agulu and six hours in Ekwulobia, which underscores the need for road dualization.”
“We are also dualizing the roads connecting the four urban cities for ease of traffic, and the Amawbia – Agulu – Nanka – Uga road will be completed in twelve months.”
“Another project is the Agulu to Nnewi through Ozubulu to Onitsha – Owerri Expressway to ensure connectivity,” he said.
Continuing, Okeoma said, “The Amawbia – Agulu–Nanka– Ekwulobia–Uga road is 34 km long, and being a federal highway, the Federal government has undertaken the construction of 4 km from Orlu, Imo state, to Uga in Anambra state, leaving us with 30 km. We are already working on 2 km with the Ekwulobia flyover currently under construction, and we will focus on the remaining 28 km.”
He adds that it’s he project would be executed by two contractors to meet the twelve-month deadline for its completion.
On the concerns over planned demolition of properties within the right of way of the road, Engr. Okeoma said:
“You cannot make an omelet without breaking eggs, and the fact that something unlawful has been there for years doesn’t make it right. We must stand by the law, and the rule of law must prevail at all times, and we empathize with those who might be affected.”
“This has been the issue our people are facing in Abuja and Lagos because they don’t ask questions and make inquiries with the relevant offices before buying lands and carrying out construction works.”
