Anambra State governor, Chief Willie Obiano, has given a six-month ultimatum for the completion of the 3.3 kilometre Ekwulobia – Ezinifite road project the state government awarded at the cost of N770 million.

Speaking while inspecting work on the road awarded by his predecessor, Peter Obi, Governor Obiano expressed satisfaction with the progress of work done so far and assured that all outstanding payments that might get in the way of a timely delivery of the project would be made by his administration.

The governor said his administration would insist on high standards on all road projects to stand the test of time and justify the resources expended on them. He further explained that an artificial lake would be created for proper channelling of flood water to protect houses and farmlands.

Obiano implored the benefitting communities to give the contractor the necessary cooperation to ensure that he completes the project on schedule. He enjoined those who had gone to court to vent their grievances in relation to the road to withdraw their cases, noting that when completed, the road would boost socio-economic activities in the area.

The governor urged the youths in the area to participate actively in the on-going registration of unemployed persons to benefit from state government empowerment programme that his administration has put in place.

In his speech, the Commissioner for Work, Arc. Sir Callistus Ilozumba, said the road was well designed and awarded to a competent contractor. He disclosed that the contractor had been fully mobilised while the ministry would maintain strict supervision.

Speaking, a member representing Aguata II State Constituency, Ikem Uzoezie, expressed happiness with the ongoing work, which he said would give the people easy access to all parts of the state and further empower the farmers.

In his reaction, Chairman of Orumba South Local Government Council, Mr. John Onyeakpa, commended the governor for fulfilling his promise to the people and requested him to extend the inter-state roads in Orumba South to Ezira – Enugu-Umuonyia road.

Meanwhile, in continuation of his efforts to open more access to the agricultural belt of the state, Governor Obiano has also flagged off the N790 million Achina – Onneh - Agbudu – Ogboji road saying the project would help stoke the fire of the on-going agricultural revolution in the state.

Flagging of the 7.5-kilometre road project awarded to Estrada Construction Company, the governor said this would expand the scope of agricultural activities and increase food production and job creation.

The road, according to him, is very important as it cuts across major agricultural areas and would enhance easy evacuation of agricultural produce and strengthen socio-economic activities in the area.

He further urged the farmers to register under cooperative societies to benefit from various state government empowerment programmes including free high yielding seedlings and tractor services and urged the communities to provide land for government agricultural programme.

In his remarks, Commissioner for Works, Hon. Ilozumba, said the road would provide a short cut to Orumba North and South and had been designed to withstand the greatest stress.

Also speaking, the Director of Estrada, Mr. Cha Mi, assured that the firm would deliver a quality work that would meet the expectation of the government and the people of the state.

On his part, Chairman of Aguata Local Government Council, Mr. Chukwuma Umeoji, said they would partner with the state government to actualise its vision on agriculture as to achieve food security and solve unemployment problem.

Earlier, the President-General of Achina Town Union, Mr. John Ezechukwu, had said that the area has benefitted a lot from the state government and commended the governor for his giant strides towards up lighting the state.

•Photo shows (L-R) Princess Chinwe Nwaebili, Speaker Anambra State House of Assembly, Governor Willie Obiano and Arc. Callistus Ilozumba, Commissioner for Works, at the flag off of a Road Project in Ekwulobia, Agwuata Local Government...Tuesday.

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