After years of abandonment, work is set to begin on the abandoned Otuocha-Nzam-Innoma-Iheaka-Abaji federal road linking Anambra with Kogi state.
The 30km road contract, which was included in the 2023 supplementary budget of the federal government, was awarded on December 3, 2009 by the administration of then President Umaru Musa Yar’adua to NigerCat Construction Limited, but the company was able to achieve first binder asphalting of 7km out before the project stopped.
However, due to dam flushing in Cameroon in 2017, the entire area surrounding the project was flooded and the road submerged.
But Dr Tony Nwoye, who represented people of Anambra East/West federal Constituency in 8th House of Representatives had made an appeal for the road to be included in the National Budget for reconstruction and rehabilitation.
Our reporter learnt that the former lawmaker wrote letters to the Ministry of Works over the state of this road, during his time as member of the green chamber.
Having been elected as a Senator representing Anambra North in the 10th National Assembly, Nwoye reactivated this demand for the reconstruction of the road
The Senator’s request was granted by both the Senate and Ministry of Works, hence the 2023 Supplementary budget provided for funds for the construction of the road.
“Today, the efforts have paid off as President Bola Tinubu and Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi has come to the rescue of the people of Anambra North by re-awarding the road for the sum of N34 Billion Naira.”
Dr. Tony Nwoye thanked the Honourable Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and also Senator Akpabio-led 10th Senate for making this road a priority.
Pascal Candle, who is a Media aide to Senator Tony Nwoye, in a statement in Awka on Thursday, quoted the Senator as saying that the contractor will move to site immediately the waterlevel drops and funds are made available to them, adding that upon completion of the road, journey from Anambra to Abuja would be reduced by at least two to three hours, just as many communities along the road would be opened up.
“The reconstruction this time will not be like the last one,” he said.
Senator Nwoye assured that proper evaluation, monitoring and oversight will be carried out once the contractor moves to site in order to ensure that quality work is done by the contractor and also to ensure that there is value for money.
. TheWitness
