Awka
After years of abandonment and neglect, Anambra State Government has finally commenced construction of a section of the Ogidi axis of Awka-Onitsha Old Road, where flooding has been a major issue.
The Ogidi flooding challenge has been a nightmare for the community with residents along the road usually displaced during rainy seasons.
Former Governor Willie Obiano had promised to address the challenge for years without any action, until the present administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo.
Although it is situated on a federal road, Governor Soludo said the decision to intervene is because of the hardship experienced by motorists and residents, due to the perennial flood witnessed during rainy season in that location.
Speaking shortly before flagging-off the project, Governor Soludo noted that most federal roads in Anambra State are in deplorable conditions, recalling his administration’s intervention on the federal road at Isuigbo, boundary between Enugu and Anambra which has now been fixed and the road opposite Chisco park which was also fixed by his administration.
“We’ve intervened severally and it is costing us close to a billion naira.
“We have called on the federal government to come to our aid through the Federal Road Maintenance Agency, FERMA, but we are not going to just wait.
“Those on the longer term issues, we may wait for the federal government, but this one is emergency intervention because of hardship encountered by motorists,” Governor Soludo said.
The governor directed the contractor handling the project not to allow it exceed three months.
Commenting on the security situation in the state which is gradually abating, Governor Soludo said, “I am calling on the good people of Ogidi not to habour any criminal in their communities.
“If you see something, say something.
“We are determined to wipe out all forms of criminalities not only in Ogidi but in the entire Anambra State.
“We must work together to rescue our dear State.
“We will flag off many roads all around Anambra state. Anambra will be better for it because we have all agreed that the Solution is here.”
Engr. Ifeanyi Okoma, Commissioner for Works and infrastructure development, emphasized that Governor Soludo was fully committed to providing good road infrastructure in the State.
The Commissioner emphasised that the Ogidi road construction is the first project being embarked on by the Governor after his Inauguration.
“The perennial flood experienced in this axis is not perculiar to Ogidi.
“Vehicles that pass through this place experience hardship.
“As a federal government road, the Governor could just have looked the other way and ignored it and keep waiting for the federal government, but he didn’t do that because the comfort of Anambra people remains a priority to him,” said the Commissioner.
In his remarks, the member representing Idemili North at the State House of Assembly, Mr. Ifeanyichukwu Chiekwu and the Traditional Ruler of Ogidi, Igwe Alex Onyido appreciated the Governor for coming to their rescue.
According to them, the flood has adversely affected the Community and environs, adding that the people of Ogidi remain grateful to the Solution Governor for his decisive approach in solving the perennial issue.
