The House of Representatives member for Ideato North and South Federal Constituency of Imo State, Ikenga Ugochinyere, said President Bola Tinubu’s approval of the Oba-Nnewi-Uga-Ihube Road project is the outcome of years of advocacy for federal intervention on the deteriorating highway.
The Oba-Nnewi-Uga-Ihube road is a 150-kilometre highway that stretches across Anambra State, passes through Imo State, and connects to the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway in Abia State
Ugochinyere said the project would bring relief to communities in Imo and Anambra states that have endured years of poor road infrastructure, insecurity and economic losses caused by the condition of the route.
The Federal Government recently approved the design and procurement of the road. It is one of two new dual carriageway projects expected to improve transportation and commercial activities across the Southeast.
According to the Anambra State Government, the approval followed discussions between President Tinubu and Governor Chukwuma Soludo, after which the Federal Ministry of Works requested formal proposals before clearing the projects for design and procurement.
The road links communities across Anambra, Imo and parts of Abia states. It is also expected to provide easier access to the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway while improving connections between the Southeast, North Central and South-South.
Before the approval, Ugochinyere repeatedly pushed for federal intervention through the House of Representatives.
He had warned that the Akokwa-Arondizuogu-Okigwe section had become impassable and increasingly dangerous for motorists.
In a motion adopted by the House of Reps, the lawmaker said the road had claimed lives, exposed commuters to frequent attacks by armed robbers and disrupted economic activities in affected communities, especially during the rainy season when erosion further damaged the highway.
The motion, backed by lawmakers representing neighbouring federal constituencies in Anambra State, was referred by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas to the House Committee on Works for further legislative action.
Reacting to the approval, Ugochinyere thanked President Tinubu, the Ministry of Works, Governor Soludo and Abbas for their roles in advancing the project.
“This approval is a clear expression of what we can achieve when we work together across party lines for the good of our people. Years of advocacy have paid off,” Ugochinyere said in a statement made available to THE WHISTLER.
“The Oba-Uga-Akokwa road will not only save lives but will open up our communities for economic prosperity. I thank Mr. President, the Works Ministry, Governor Soludo, and the Speaker for making this a reality.”
The second approved project, the Otuocha-Anam-Abaji Road, is also expected to improve connectivity between Anambra State, Kogi State and the North Central region.
(The Whistler)