Over 1,600 buildings in the Agu Awka area of Awka South Local Government Area, Anambra State, have been saved from flood disasters following the reconstruction of a critical 15-kilometre road by the state government.
For the past three years, the Book Foundation–UNIZIK–Immigration Road had become a death trap and a major source of hardship for residents and commuters, often leading to the submergence of homes and businesses during the rainy season.
The poor state of the road had forced many residents to relocate from Agu Awka to other parts of the Awka Capital Territory, due to repeated flooding and road inaccessibility.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, the Secretary of Awka South LGA, Mr. Peter Nosike Uyanwune, who represented the council chairman, Prince Chinedu Okafor, expressed gratitude to the governor for fulfilling his promise:
“I am overwhelmed with joy. We are not surprised because Mr. Governor always keeps his word, and this is another proof. During the rainy season, this road used to be completely flooded, and hundreds of buildings would be submerged. Thanks to this reconstruction, those buildings and lives have been saved.”
Also speaking, the Chairman of APGA Ward 8, Chief Nathan Obikwelu, who officially commissioned the project, described the road as the area’s “sick baby.”
“This road had become impassable, especially for commercial tricycle riders and motorists. It’s even more significant because this ward is home to the Governor, the Deputy Governor, and many political appointees. The MD of the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA), Chief Ossy Onuko, advocated for us, and today, we are seeing the results. The entire community is celebrating,” he said.
The Chairman of the Okada Riders Association, Mr. Mohammed Audu, shared his relief at the development:
“I’ve been in Awka for 25 years, and this road has always been a nightmare especially for Okada and Keke operators. Every trip meant a visit to the mechanic or panel beater. That’s money gone. But now, thanks to Governor Soludo, all that is behind us.”
The Councilor representing Agu Awka Ward 8, Mr. Olisa Nwabunia, described the commissioning as a “dream come true,” and reaffirmed his commitment to mobilizing support for the government in upcoming elections.
Meanwhile, the Vice Chairperson of Ward 8, Mrs. Onyeka Uchegbu, urged the government to construct speed bumps along the newly completed road to prevent damage by heavy-duty vehicles and ensure its longevity.
