By Vincent Ujumadu
Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s extensive road infrastructure initiatives are transforming Anambra State by connecting numerous communities that were once isolated. Road development projects have become a focal point at nearly every State Executive Council meeting, fueling optimism among residents that their localities will soon benefit from improved transportation networks.
Recent project approvals include a ₦2.1 billion upgrade of Trans-Nkisi Boulevard 1 in GRA Onitsha, and a ₦7.5 billion investment to rehabilitate the 8.9 km stretch linking Nanka, Aguluzigbo, and Umuona-an area frequently affected by flooding and erosion. Additionally, ₦10.95 billion has been allocated for the 16.37 km Mbaukwu-Awgbu-Amaetiti-Okpaeze road, featuring a 22-meter single-span bridge, while the 4.56 km Azigbo-Awka Etiti-Amichi-Onuselogu road, which includes a branch to Diocesan Hospital Amichi, spans three local government areas.
Ongoing works also cover the 3.57 km Igboukwu-Amichi-Ekwulummili road traversing Aguata and Nnewi South LGAs, the 19.1 km Awkuzu-Igbariam-Anaku link road rehabilitation, seven roads in Onitsha’s Omagba district, the 1.6 km New Market Road in Onitsha, and the Aguleri Uno-Aguleri Otu road.
In Ogbaru’s Okpoko area, 15.62 km of roads have been finalized, with an additional 3.46 km under construction. The Atani-Ozubulu road, which includes several bridges, is progressing steadily. Meanwhile, the contractor responsible for the ₦38 billion Agulu-Nnewi-Okija dual carriageway has committed to completing the project within a year.
Further investments include ₦3.5 billion dedicated to erosion control and road improvements in Umunze and Umuchu, ₦2.65 billion for 3.9 km of access roads at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University’s Uli campus, ₦2.1 billion for access routes at Nwafor Orizu College of Education in Nsugbe, and ₦97.3 million for the refurbishment of Nya Ranch Road in Awka.
The Amawbia-Nise-Agulu-Ekwulobia-Uga dual carriageway, featuring a flyover at Ekwulobia and a bridge addressing erosion at Umuchiani, is now more than 80% complete. Over 500 property owners affected by the construction have received compensation.
The Amansea-Ndiukwuenu-Awka-Ufuma road has significantly reduced travel time between Awka and Ufuma by over an hour. Similarly, the Amansea-Ebenebe-Awba Idemili route, once notorious for accidents, has been transformed into a safe and navigable road.
The state government highlights that these infrastructure projects are carefully selected to enhance inter-community connectivity across all 21 local government areas, setting the stage for Anambra’s evolution into a thriving and accessible mega-city.
Site engineers confirm that the projects are on track for timely completion, supported by consistent government funding and active cooperation from local communities, particularly through employment opportunities.
Representing Ekwulobia, President General Nze Azubuike Nzechukwu remarked, “Initially, there was resistance due to building demolitions, but Governor Soludo’s two visits to explain the plans have won the people’s support. Those displaced have been fairly compensated, and the community now welcomes the developments.”
Governor Soludo reiterated that these road construction efforts are integral to his administration’s broader ambition of transforming Anambra into a smart, modern city.