After 14 years of abandonment, work has resumed on the Otuocha-Anam-Nzam-Ibaji federal road, linking Anambra with Kogi State.
The 30.6km dual carriage road which was re-awarded for over N34 billion, connects agrarian communities in Anambra State including Nzam, Inoma, Anam, Ibaji, Iyeaka to Kogi and Abuja.
It was initially contracted at N7 billion to NigerCat Construction in 2009 but was put on hold after one of the company’s engineers was kidnapped at the site.
The resumption of work on the road has been met with tears of joy and jubilation, as residents and stakeholders alike celebrated the long-awaited development.
The member representing Anambra North Senatorial District, Dr. Tony Nwoye, was on hand to pay a visit to the construction site, saying the resumption of work on the road is a testament to the federal government’s commitment to addressing the infrastructural needs of the people of the area.
“This project is partly sponsored by the Federal government and NNPC,” he said.
“Despite the challenges, I am happy that the project is coming onstream and there were variations which include five bridges and a culvert.
“I believe once the road is completed, it will open up the entire Omambala bed so that our people can access Kogi State and transport their farm produce.”
Nwoye was accompanied by the member representing Anambra East and West Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Udogalanya Peter Aniekwe.
Officers of the Anambra Ministry of Works and Infrastructure also accompanied him.
Representative Nwoye said he would ensure the final design is approved soon.
“I also promise them that I will ensure the funding of the road is followed up because funding is always the major challenge in road construction,” he told the farming communities.
“We have written to both the federal government and the NNPC and they have agreed that once the Contractors raise a certificate, they are going to release the fund.”
The contracting firm assured the communities of their commitment to delivering a road that would stand the test of time.
