By Vincent Ujumadu
After years of abandonment, work has finally resumed on the Otuocha-Anam-Nzam-Ibaji federal road, linking Anambra with Kogi State.
The 30-kilometer stretch of road had been in a state of disrepair, cutting off many rural communities in the area.
The resumption of work on the road has been met with tears of joy and jubilation, as residents and stakeholders alike celebrated the long-awaited development.
Following the state of the road, many communities in Anambra East and West have been accessing their areas through Illah in Delta State.
The Senator representing Anambra North Senatorial District, Dr. Tony Nwoye, and the House of Representatives member for Anambra East and West, Hon Peter Anaekwe, were on hand to welcome the resumption of work on the road.
They were joined by numerous stakeholders and community members, who turned out in large numbers to celebrate the occasion.
According to Senator Nwoye, the resumption of work on the road is a testament to the federal government’s commitment towards addressing the infrastructure needs of the region.
Nwoye recalled that through his efforts over the years, even when he was in the 8th House of Representatives, he had pursued vigorously the need for the construction of the road, adding that now that he is in the 10th Senate, he had continued with that zeal to ensure the road gets adequate attention and funding from the federal government.
According to the Senator, the efforts have paid off as President Bola Tinubu and Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, have come to the rescue of the people of Anambra North by re-awarding the road for the sum of over N34 billion.
He said: “We are happy that the contractors have gone to site. They have shown readiness to embark on the project. We believe that the reconstruction this time would not be abandoned like in the past.”
Senator Nwoye assured that proper evaluation, monitoring and oversight would be carried out as the work progresses, to ensure that quality work would be done and also to ensure that there would be value for money for the people of Anambra North.
“The company’s officials have assured the community of their commitment to delivering a high-quality road that will withstand the test of time.
“The Otuocha-Anam-Nzam-Ibaji road is a critical artery that connects many rural communities in Anambra North to the rest of the state and the country at large.
“Its abandonment had led to a decline in economic activities, as well as social and cultural interactions, among the affected communities.
“With the resumption of work on the road, residents are optimistic that their lives will improve significantly,” he said.
