Still on Roads: Kudos Obiano, But

Following a recent cover story on the bad state of roads in Anambra State by Fides, particularly those in the capital city and immediate environs, it was observed by this paper that the state government quickly stepped up gear in an attempt to apply palliative measures on some roads within the capital city. A lane of the dual carriage way running from Aroma Flyover to the State House of Assembly area was quickly reconstructed and asphalted, immediately restoring that lane to its former quality. It was also noticed that palliative work was ongoing at the junction between the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and the State Library, just as was witnessed at the failed portion of road at the Temporary Site of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK).

This is a commendable response by the Anambra State Government, a response that portrayed it as having a listening ear. We therefore wish to commend the Willie Obiano-led Government on this.

However, it is hoped that this will not be a flash in the pan measure but one that will herald an aggressive reconstruction and even construction of roads, not only in the capital city but elsewhere in the state.

But while the government is currently addressing the failed portions of road at the Temporary Site of UNIZIK, we urge it to go the whole hog by doing the remainder of that stretch of road all the way down to the Anambra State College of Agriculture and Radio Nigeria (Purity FM), Mgbakwu area which is almost being cut off from the rest of the capital city.

Not too long ago, students of the College of Agriculture protested against the poor condition of their road, prompting the closure of the college to avert a breakdown of security. But that protest, more than anything, captured the mood of the people of that area.

Fides understands that the radio station there is going through a rough patch owing to poor business as a result of the bad condition of their road. That road, before now, had been worsening year after year without any action being done by the concerned government organ. Now, it is virtually impassable.

Being that the Mgbakwu/Isuaniocha area represents part of the food basket of the state, allowing things to remain that way will not augur well for the state.

We therefore urge the Anambra State Government to go beyond doing patch work in the area but carrying out a comprehensive reconstruction of that road once the rains stop.

Similar action should be carried out in all food producing areas to complement the state government’s policy on agriculture. By doing this, the state government will match its words with action and prove doubters wrong.