Prof Chukwuma Soludo, Governor of Anambra State, has lamented the poor condition of federal highways in the state, claiming that they have all failed and pleading with the federal government to intervene.
On Saturday, he received the Minister of Works and Housing, Engr. Dave Umahi, on a courtesy visit at the Governor’s Lodge in Anambra.
Soludo lamented the collapse of the entire road, despite the fact that a sum of two billion naira had been granted for repairs to a part of the Onitsha-Owerri Road.
“This is the scenario playing out on most federal roads across the state due to poor maintenance,” he explained.
“The Onitsha-Owerri road is very strategic because it connects to so many states in the South.” If the road remains in that poor condition, the second Niger bridge may not be completely utilised.
“There is a direct route from Nzam to Lokoja in Anambra West, on the road leading to Idah, Kogi state.” When completed, the journey from Anambra to Abuja will take about 3 hours. That is a significant game-changing project worth pursuing.
“With you in the office, Engr. Umahi, you are a perfect round peg in a round hole.” Please continue to demonstrate your leadership.
“Once we rethink the framework for infrastructure delivery, Nigeria will be a completely different place.” Nigeria is a federal republic. You can’t stay in your state and applaud with one hand and expect to make any noise. For things to work, you need the other hand, which is the federal government.”
The Governor asked the federal government to collaborate with state governments to create a more efficient framework for road infrastructure delivery.
He also praised President Bola Tinubu for naming Engr. Umahi as Works Minister.
“In politics, you don’t get what you deserve, but what you bargain for with votes,” he says. Given the total number of votes we contributed from the South East and a look at the ministerial portfolios, we may not have a strong enough foundation to begin requesting “juicy” portfolios, but the President graciously gave us one of our finest and best, one of the few engineers who pioneered concrete pavement as the current standard for road construction.
“What you said about the possibility of returning to Anambra State to help us move around will be fantastic because we have fundamental challenges with road infrastructure, particularly how it is delivered by the Federal Government.”
“The Federal Government is staying in Abuja and attempting to award road contracts throughout the country.” To be honest, all of the federal highways have vanished. Currently, we are investing up to 20 billion naira on federal highways.”
Earlier in his statement, Engr. Umahi, the Minister of Works and Housing, lamented the issues faced by erosion in the state.
He expressed disappointment on the state of the Enugu-Onitsha Road project, saying that he has summoned the contractors and consultants and will be meeting with MTN under Governor Soludo’s chairmanship.
The Minister stated that the primary cause of road breakdown is asphalt, and that the adoption of concrete pavement is the greatest solution owing to inadequate maintenance culture.
While enumerating the roads currently under construction in the state including the Ukpo, Dunukofia road, the rehabilitation of Ibaji section of Otuocha, Abali Ofieli, Orie Ama Etiti – Umuawulu road, Omor-Umuoikpa, Oba – Nnewi Road and Osammali – Ogwikpele road, Minister Umahi eulogised President Tinubu as a man of justice and equity, who decided in his good mind, to appoint someone from the Southeast to become the minister of works.
Engr. Umahi challenged Governor Soludo to continue demonstrating leadership and speaking the truth at all times, relying on his God-given wisdom and humility to serve the state and country.
Mr Ernest Ezeajughi, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Engr. Ifeanyi Okoma, Commissioner for Works, Engr. Ifeanyi Okoma, Chief of Protocol and Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Chinedu Nwoye, and others joined to greet the Minister and his guests.
