Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, has flagged off the construction of three flyovers in Awka, the state capital at a cost of about N5 billion.

The flyovers, which are to be handled by IDC Construction Company, will be constructed at Amawbia, Kwata, and Aroma junctions in the city with a tunnel in one of them to ensure free-flow of traffic and easy diversion into the main city of Awka.

Flagging off work on the project yesterday, Obiano revealed that apart from the flyovers, there will also be the construction of a 5,000-seat capacity conference centre, a five-star hotel, a shopping mall and a three arms zone.

He added that all the roads to be constructed by his administration would be complemented with street lights to change the skyline of the state capital.

The governor urged indigenes of Awka not to foment trouble but rather join hands in building a befitting capital everybody will be proud, appealing that the contractors should be given the needed cooperation to do a good job.

According to Obiano, “What is being done today is in fulfillment of our promise that we will transform Awka into a befitting state capital and we will not relent in achieving this. All we ask is the cooperation of everybody as we will not hesitate to deal with anybody who foments trouble in the state.

“I will not renege on my part by paying the contractors in time. As for the Shoprite mall, I have paid them completely and we are not owing them a dime. It is expected that the mall will be ready in nine months time while we expect the completion of the flyovers in one year.”

Speaking at the occasion, the Commissioner of Works, Arch. Callistus Ilozumba, said that the express road from Onitsha to Amansea was formerly intended to be a six-lane dual carriage road but that on Obiano’s assumption of office, he came up with a Plan B, which was to turn the road into a skyline as seen in developed countries.

He noted that though the road is a federal road, the state government is undertaking the construction of the three flyovers and the road construction from Onitsha to Amansea boundary at a cost of N9b.

In his speech, National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Victor Umeh, expressed happiness that the party was part of the epoch-making event aimed at transforming Awka.

He observed that Governor Obiano has started well with emphasis on security, sanitation and infrastructural development, urging the people of the state to give him maximum support.

Umeh said: “I am happy that after his swearing in, he took off like a bull to deliver his promises. The impact he has made on security can only be imagined. Our people now come home without fear.

“It is to the glory of the super party in the state, there is no brake. The governor is in a hurry and all he requires is our total support. God has put a stop to the plans by people to put APGA in disarray, God upholds the righteous and I say it clearly that, I do not bear malice against anybody, our party is open for everybody to join and I encourage everybody to join so we can make a clean slate in future elections.”

•Photo shows Governor Obiano speaking at the flag-off of Awka Flyovers, yesterday.

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