Soludo commences the construction of a superhighway linking Imo and Anambra

With the approval granted by the Anambra State Executive Council (ANSEC), all is set for the dualization of Amawbia – Agulu – Nanka – Ekwulobia -Uga Road by Governor Chukwuma Soludo. The Amawbia -Agulu – Nanka -Ekwulobia – Uga – Akokwa Road, which is a federal road, connects Awka, the capital of Anambra State, to Imo State. The road, which is currently a single lane road, is in a deplorable condition. The construction of this federal road by Governor Soludo would not only transform the economic landscape of Anambra State and Imo State, it would also help in the social integration between these states. This project is a perfect example of how a focused subnational government could work with a progressive federal government in order to achieve massive progress in a win-win partnership.

Considering the socio-economic importance of this Trunk A road, Anambra State government applied to the federal government in order to intervene in its dualization. Permission was granted after an extensive review of Anambra’s proposal.

The proposed new road – which will be completed in 12 months from the date the contractors mobilize to site – is anticipated to reduce the travel time between Owerri and Awka by over 70%.

The construction of this new road is part of Governor Soludo’s urban regeneration plan, which comprises the development of clean and green cities, dualization of major roads and the connection of major cities with railway systems in Anambra. (The design of Anambra’s railway network is almost completed).

With this Amawbia – Agulu – Nanka – Ekwulobia -Uga Road, Governor Soludo is set to match the record set by the former governor of Ebonyi State, Engr David Umahi. David Umahi broke an unprecedented record in the South East when he celebrated the construction of over 500km of brand-new roads within 3 years in 2018. (This anticipated 500km high quality brand-new roads by the Soludo-led administration are exclusive of the thousands of kilometers of roads which have been made motorable as a result of repair works by the Anambra Road Maintenance Agency).

This project, which will be a legacy project for the people of Anambra and Imo State, has elicited excitement from the people of Anambra State. The vice president of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Damian Okeke Ogene, remarked that the interconnectivity that would be provided by this road ‘‘would boost socioeconomic activities in the South East region and enhance collaboration in other areas, including efficient and effective security network to secure the zone’’.

The scale of this project clearly shows that it is not what a faint-hearted and unfocused government could execute. But Governor Soludo, with his can-do spirit, is determined to place Anambra on the map!

Currently, this dilapidated single carriageway, which would be dualized by Governor Soludo, has very ineffective drainage systems and is prone to overflooding at some sections. This makes travelling on this road a nightmare in the peak of the rainy seasons. The total stretch of the road to be dualized is 34km (which is equivalent to 68km single lane roadway).

Because of the strategic importance of this road, the Governor Soludo-led administration has decided to start constructing the first 30km of the proposed dual carriage roadway (equivalent to 60km of a single road) using innovative financing models while the federal government will construct the remaining 4km section (equivalent to 8km single lane roadway).

With this road, the economy of major cities – Agulu, Nanka, Ekwulobia, Uga and Akokwa – transversed by this road will be given a new life.

Let us take the transformation that this road would bring to Agulu – the beautiful hometown of former Governor Peter Obi – for example. This new road would connect Nnewi – the manufacturing capital of the South East – via a proposed 18km dual carriage roadway at Agulu. A massive interchange would be constructed at the point the proposed superhighway leading to Imo State connects the anticipated dual carriageway leading to Nnewi at Agulu. With this network of roads, the Agulu Lake Hotel and the historic Agulu Lake would be accessible to people from Imo State in less than 25 mins. (Governor Soludo plans to revive Agulu lake in the coming months).

Currently, the Soludo – led administration is about completing a massive prestressed concrete flyover at Ekwulobia. This flyover will be part of the 34km Amawbia – Agulu – Nanka – Ekwulobia -Uga -Akokwa Road. The Ekwulobia flyover will be ready by the end of the year.

In order to ensure that this project is completed in 12 months from the time it is commenced, Anambra State Government awarded the contract for the construction of this new road to two major contractors – Geld Construction Limited and A.G. Vision Construction.

The Amawbia – Agulu – Nanka – Ekwulobia -Uga Road would be made as ‘green’ as possible. There would be vegetations in the median of this dualized road. This will not only enhance the road’s aesthetic appeal, it will improve air quality along its corridor.

Because this is a major dualization project, it could result in the relocation of some structures that might have encroached into the road’s right of way. But this would be done with a human face. Adequate notice has been given to people who might have encroached into the road’s right of way. Everyone believes that this road is good for the future of the state.

In the coming months, other major dualization projects would also be kicked off. Anambra is on the path to greatness. It is the duty of well-meaning Ndi Anambra to support this transformation. Our children’s children would be grateful for the foundation being laid in Anambra today!

Nwankwo is the special adviser on special projects to Soludo