SOLUDO FLAGS OFF CONSTRUCTION OF 2.17 KM NIGER BRIDGE HEAD- SOKOTO ROAD, SAYS ONITSHA WILL REGAIN ITS PRIDE OF PLACE
By Christian ABURIME
Construction of the 2.17 kilometer single carriage Niger Bridge Head-Sokoto road junction has been flagged off by the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo.
Also, part of the project is the channelization of Nwangene Stream to River Niger, Onitsha.
Governor Soludo inspected the project which is being handled by Tec Engineering Nigeria LTD.
During the inspection, the Governor was unhappy that the contractor was extremely slow, still at the incredible stage of 0.5 percent.
The Governor said that the road ought to have gone as far as between 10 percent and 12 percent complete, having been on the project for two months.
He revealed that before being awarded, the work duration of the project was put at twelve months. The Governor advised the contractor to speed up the work unless he wants the contract terminated.
“The quality of the roads we are constructing is unparalleled. It will have a stone base, with cement stabilization, and layers of asphalt with a 20-year guarantee.” Governor assured the people
He pointed out that embarking on the project is a fulfilment of his campaign promise and recalled that Onitsha was originally planned and developed by the white people with good drainage systems, lamenting that the City appears to have lost its glory.
Governor Soludo assured that Onitsha will regain its pride of place. He expressed gratitude to the residents of Onitsha for electing him as Governor at the last gubernatorial election.
“The people must play their part if Onitsha is to rise up and regain its glory. A programme to clean up our drainages is starting now. We want Anambra to be the nation’s cleanest state.”
The Governor added; “We are planning a system to start picking up waste from house to house.”
Welcoming the Governor earlier, the Transition Committee Chairman for Onitsha South, Engr. Ogochukwu Ekwueme, said he first noticed the poor condition of the road when he was in primary school, adding that God’s providence made it possible that the road will be repaired during the present administration.
The Commissioner for Special Duties, Barrister Sly Ezeokenwa who is a native of Onitsha, noted that the Governor had pledged to bring Onitsha back to its former glory and asked the people to continue to support Governor Soludo and all APGA candidates vying for elective posts in the forthcoming elections
All APGA Candidates in the area attended the event.
The Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, Chairman, Anambra State Traditional Rulers’ Council and Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, APGA Publicity Secretary, Tex Okechukwu, Anambra State President of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Hon. Emeka Udodeme, ASMATA Chairman, Chief Humphrey Anuna among others were also present.