Anambra Summons Road Contractors As Failed Roads Trigger Public Outcry, Orders Immediate Repairs
By Njideka Agbo | IchieTimes
The Anambra State Government has summoned road contractors across the state to account for recurring road failures and carry out urgent repairs, following growing public concern over deteriorating road sections captured in recent social media reports.
The Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Arc. Okey Ezeobi, gave the directive during a meeting with contractors, warning that the government would no longer tolerate avoidable defects that undermine road quality, waste public resources and damage public confidence in infrastructure delivery.
The move follows recent reports of road deterioration and drainage problems across the state, including affected sections of the Amawbia to Agulu road, the Umunze to Umuchu bypass and the Nnobi to Nkpor road. While the reported causes vary, the developments have intensified calls for effective supervision, lasting repairs and greater accountability from contractors.
Ezeobi expressed concern over videos of failed road sections circulating online, saying the situation had become embarrassing to Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure and the engineering profession. He directed contractors to inspect all roads constructed under the present administration and immediately address identified defects.
The Commissioner identified poor quality asphalt, inadequate compaction, insufficient moisture control and the use of untested construction materials as possible causes of road failure. He ordered strict compliance with engineering specifications, laboratory testing and quality control procedures, warning that contractors must not compromise standards.
He also directed that failed drainage structures be removed and reconstructed where necessary, stressing that proper drainage and independent supervision were essential to road durability. Contractors must notify the Ministry before compaction begins to enable the required inspections.
As part of the immediate response, the Permanent Secretary, Engr. Dr. Martin Agbili, is to formally request comprehensive lists of roads constructed by contractors under the Soludo administration. Contractors are expected to assess the condition of the roads and undertake repairs wherever defects are found.
Ezeobi maintained that contractors must take responsibility for the quality of their work, noting that the government had paid duly generated certificates for completed projects. He said public funds must deliver roads that meet approved engineering standards and serve road users safely.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the government’s 20 year road guarantee and disclosed that approximately 741 kilometres of roads had been asphalted under the current administration. He said the Ministry would strengthen monitoring and quality control, adding that contractors must deliver durable projects and correct failures for which they are contractually responsible.
The meeting was attended by the Permanent Secretary, Engr. Dr. Martin Agbili, and other ministry officials.
