Ochanja Roundabout, Onitsha: From refuse dump to water fountain

For over 20 years, Ochanja Roundabout in Onitsha, Anambra state, known for hosting a mountain of refuse and animal carcasses, with deplorable roads like Ozomagala, Ochanja-Iweka, Menax and other adjoining roads abandoned for over 30 years have been a major source of worry and concern for residents, traders and commuters.

However, with the power of transformation which the governor of Anambra state, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo often talks about, the area has become an enchanting roundabout with a functional water fountain. That is a transformation in practical terms.

Governor Soludo has equally impacted the same Midas touch in many other areas of the state’s social infrastructure within the past two years.

Most significant is the labyrinth of solid roads, pipe-borne water with public taps and healthcare centres, which he recently commissioned, mostly in parts of the State that have not seen such facilities since Nigeria became a sovereign country.

The transformation of Ochanja Roundabout has not only improved the aesthetics of the area, it has drastically revved up the quality of economic activities that go on in the environment and to a large extent guaranteed good health for the residents, traders and passersby as against the previous nauseating stench that emanated from the mountain of refuse. The nerve-wracking traffic gridlock that was a regular nightmare for commuters has become a thing of the past. There is now a free and smooth flow of vehicular traffic conveying people and their goods, to and from the area.

“One good turn deserves another,” is a common refrain. Therefore, traders and residents of the area should take ownership of the transformation for it to be sustained.

Already, reports have it that some petty traders, particularly “ọkịrịka” sellers, immediately swooped on the just completed roundabout to display their wares while others, intrigued by the novelty have gone there to wash their limbs and different items.

This is unacceptable as the roundabout and water fountain are not meant for that. There is, therefore, a need for residents and those trading around the area to ensure that no one, in whatever guise, should misuse or abuse the facility.

The roundabout and water fountain are meant to facilitate smooth traffic flow and beautify the place. It shouldn’t be used as a public tap or extension of market stalls or to display wares.

OCHA Brigade has been directed to ensure compliance.

Nwosu is the commissioner for information in Anambra state.