From Ifeoma Ejiofor
Anambra State governor, Prof. Charles Soludo has raised the alarm that all federal roads in the state have failed and are begging for the attention of the federal government.
Gov Soludo raised the alarm while speaking at the Governor’s Lodge, Amawbia when the Minister of Works and Housing, Engr. Dave Umahi paid him a courtesy visit.
The governor stated that two billion Naira was approved for repairs of a section of Onitsha-Owerri Road but lamented the collapse of the entire road
He added that most federal roads across the state have either failed or collapsed due to poor maintenance.
Gov Soludo said the Onitsha-Owerri road is very strategic due to the numerous states in the South that the road is linked to, stressing that the second Niger bridge may not be fully utilized if the road is left in that deplorable state.
“In Anambra West, the road leading to Idah, Kogi state, there’s a direct route from Nzam to Lokoja. When that is constructed, travelling from Anambra to Abuja will be around 3 hours. That is a major game changing project that is worth venturing into.” He said.
Gov Soludo urged the federal government to work with state governments to develop a more efficient framework for delivering road infrastructure.
In his speech, the Minister for Works and Housing, Engr. Umahi, bemoaned the challenges posed by erosion in the state.
He expressed his disappointment with the state of the Enugu-Onitsha Road project, saying that he has summoned the contractors and consultants and will be meeting with MTN under Gov Soludo’s chairmanship.