Awba Ofemili Monarch Counters Road Deterioration Claims, Says Soludo Project Remains Solid
By Chibuzo Obidike |IchieTimes
The Traditional Ruler of Awba Ofemili in Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State, Igwe Ernest Mmaduagwuna, has given a positive assessment of the Amansea, Ebenebe, Ugbenu, Ugbene and Awba Ofemili road, describing the project as solid and durable more than two years after its completion.
Speaking on the condition of the road constructed under the administration of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, the monarch said Awba Ofemili had not recorded any major defect on the road.
His assessment offers a community level response to claims in some quarters that roads constructed by the present administration deteriorate shortly after completion.
“The road is built with quality and solid. It’s a road that at least can last over 20 years. We have not recorded any default in this road,” Igwe Mmaduagwuna said.
The 26 kilometre Amansea, Ebenebe, Ugbenu, Ugbene and Awba Ofemili road was commissioned in March 2024. Contemporary reports following the commissioning also recorded residents citing improved transportation, agricultural activities and access to markets as some of the benefits of the completed road.
For the Awba Ofemili monarch, however, the next conversation should be about extending the benefits of the road rather than questioning the condition of the existing stretch.
He called on the state government to extend the road beyond Awba Ofemili towards Anyamelum and provide the necessary bridge connection to Umulum.
According to him, such an extension would create a more direct route towards Nsukka and subsequently Abuja, while opening up the agricultural communities to wider economic opportunities.
The monarch said the community’s priority was therefore to preserve the existing road and expand the network to further improve movement, trade and economic activities.
The call for further connectivity also comes against the background of an existing Anambra State procurement record for the re evaluation design of an extension of the Amansea, Ebenebe, Ugbenu, Ugbene and Awba Ofemili road towards Omor, including a proposed 242 metre reinforced concrete bridge in Ayamelum Local Government Area.
The testimony from Awba Ofemili adds a local perspective to the wider public debate over road quality in Anambra, placing emphasis on the actual condition of the road and the experiences of communities along the corridor.
