Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State yesterday made good his pledge to construct many more roads as he flagged off the reconstruction of Uzoakwa-Ubahuekwem-Oseakwa road, with a spur to Oluoha Okechukwu road Ihiala. He disclosed that the 16km road awarded at a contract sum of over N2b would be completed within the year.

The road when completed will give some agricultural communities in Ihiala Local Government Area easy access to the outside world. Governor Obi said the project was in line with the present drive of his administration to open up and connect all parts of the state with quality road network. He disclosed that the second phase of the project will link Ihiala to Ogbaru with primary aim of providing a functional alternative route to Onitsha and urged the contractor to complete the work on schedule.

Commenting on the project, the Commissioner for Works, Sir Callistus Ilozumba, said it was properly designed with concrete drains and that the contractor has been duly mobilized. He assured that the state government would maintain prompt payment of all certificates generated as funds for the project have been set aside.

On his part, Chief Chuma Nzeribe, senatorial candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the last election thanked Governor Obi for awarding the contract, noting that it was strategic in the development plan of Anambra South.

Also speaking, the Transition Committee Chairman, Ihiala Local Government Area, Mr. Chinedu Ukachukwu, expressed gratitude to the governor for the various projects completed in the area.

In another development, Governor Obi has called for the revival of self-help development initiative among communities. He was speaking while flagging off the reconstruction of the Oyeakpu-Nkwozu road, embarked upon by the Ezinifite Community in Nnewi South Local Government Area.

The governor said there was need for communities to participate actively in the on-going rebuilding and upgrading of infrastructural facilities across the state to compliment efforts of the state government. He explained that his administration has opened up all hitherto neglected rural communities with quality road network which he noted has scaled up the tempo and volume of socio-economic activities in those areas.

Governor Obi assured that in addition to various projects already completed in the area, government will soon initiate more projects that will further uplift the area.

A community leader, Chief Leonard Okoye, thanked the governor for carrying the town along in his policies and programmes. Chief Okoye said they embarked on the projects to contribute in developing and repositioning the state.