By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

The Anambra State Government has kicked off road the rehabilitation of Ogidi flood-prone section of Awka-Onitsha Old Road in Idemili North Local Government Area of the state.

The federal road had been a nightmare to commuters plying the route due to the perennial flood witnessed during rainy season in that location.

Speaking shortly before flagging off the project on Saturday, Governor Chukwuma Soludo noted that most federal roads in Anambra State are in deplorable conditions.

He recalled his administration’s intervention on the federal road at Isuigbo, boundary between Enugu and Anambra states as well as the road opposite Chisco Park, which have all been fixed by his administration.

Soludo said: “We have intervened severally and it is costing us close to a billion naira. We have called on the federal government to come to our aid through the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) but we are not going to just wait.

“Those on the longer term issues, we may wait for the federal government. But this one is emergency intervention because of hardship encountered by motorists.”

The Governor directed the contractor handling the project not to allow it exceed three months.

Reacting on the security situation in the state which is gradually abating, the governor called on the good people of Ogidi not to harbour any criminal in their communities.

He added: “If you see something, say something. We are determined to wipe out all forms of criminalities not only in Ogidi but in the entire Anambra State. We must work together to rescue our dear state.”

“We will flag off many roads all around Anambra State. Anambra will be better for it because we have all agreed that the Solution is here,” the Governor further said

In his speech, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure Development, Engr. Ifeanyi Okoma, emphasised Governor Soludo’s commitment at providing good roads in the state.

He said that Ogidi road construction is the first project being embarked on by the Governor after his inauguration.

“The perennial flood experienced in this axis is not peculiar to Ogidi. Vehicles that pass through this place experience hardships. As a federal government road, the Governor could just have looked the other way and ignored it and keep waiting for the federal government, but he didn’t do that because the comfort of Ndi Anambra remains a priority to him,” Okoma added.

The member representing Idemili North at the State House of Assembly, Mr. Ifeanyichukwu Chiekwu, and the Traditional Ruler of Ogidi, Igwe Alex Onyido, appreciated the Governor for coming to their rescue.

According to them, the flood has adversely affected the community and environs, saying that the people of Ogidi are grateful to the Soludo for his headlong approach in solving the perennial disaster.