Anambra State House of Assembly has called on Governor Chukwuma Soludo to as a matter of urgency direct the Anambra State Road Maintenance Agency (ARMA) to commence immediate palliative Work at dilapidated spots at new market road, Onitsha for easy flow of traffic in Onitsha, boost in economic activities and increase revenue generation.
Chief sponsor of the motion Hon. Jude Umennajiego, while making his submission at plenary said the New Market Road, Onitsha have very high volume of tralfic due to robust economic and commercial activities in the different markets that this road leads to and exits from.
Hon. Umennajiego who is the member representing Onitsha South two constituency revealed that Onitsha is the economic nerve center of Anambra State, to the extent that you do not talk of Anambra economy without mentioning Onitsha.
In his words “This road links to Main market for which Anambra Economy is known and from which humongous revenue is generated.
“The current condition of this road is a serious impediment to free flow of traffic which in effect hampers commercial and economic activities as those involved in economic and other activities find it very difficult to get to their destination thorough this road despite that this road is a major link road to many other important markets and institutions.
” These bad spots also allow hoodlums to attack innocent commuters who have the misfortune of moving in the night.
“The continued bad state of this road is a source of agony and discouragement to the business community and commercial city of Onitsha due to its impassable state. It also negates and is a clog to conducive business environment which the state needs very much.
“The repairing of the New Market Road will case traffic, boost economic activities, improve esthetics and improve the economy of Anambra State in general and Onitsha in particular, therefore improving the generation of revenue for the government.
” It will be in the interest and economic benefit of Ansmbra State if this road are repaired because if we allow it to get to the stage of reconstruction, government will spend more.
Speaking in favour of the motion, Hon. Patrick Okafor, Hon. Noble Igwe, Deputy Majority Leader Hon. Douglas Egbuna, Minority leader Rt. Hon. Johnbosco Akaegbobi, Hon. Ejike Okechukwu, Hon. Fredrick Ezenwa, Hon. Anayo Okpalaeke and Hon. Ogbuefi Nkechi in there separate submissions urged ARMA to leave up to their responsibility.
According to the legislators “Motions like this will continue to come up because we all are representatives of our people. During the campaign, Mr. Governor knew that the major problem facing ndi Anambra is roads.
” We have a working and listening Governor Because he is listening and is living up to expectation by doing all he can to give us good road.
“Rome was not build in a day and we must continue to make mention of the roads in other to bring back the minds relevant agencies that are supposed to do it.
“The importance of good roads can never be over emphasized. It helps to reduce the cost of transportation. It also boast economic activities and reduce crime because hoodlums make use of bad spots.
“Most Nigerians are suffering because of the subsidy removal and if we join it with bad roads, it means the suffering will be doubled.
“What ndi Anambra is asking, is for the tax payers money be used judiciously which our Governor is doing and i know he will listen to our pleads.
” Our attitude to our environment is part of the problem which is been caused by our constituents who block drainages. For us to achieve more in Anambra state, our attitude must be checked properly.
” When it rains, all the dumps will be poured on drinages which affects the flow and it gets the roads damaged again.
“We need to hold ARMA responsible because their job is road maintenance. They need to be moving around and discover all the bad spots.
” As lawmakers, we have to considered how much that is budgeted for ARMA in this physical year. We dont expect them to do all the road with little or nothing budgeted for them.
“It is the job of this honorable house to know what ARMA needs and provide it for them so that when they fail to deliver, the house committee on Works will ask them questions.
” When the time comes, let us do the needful and appropriate what will be enough for ARMA to do this job judiciously”. The lawmakers submitted.
The house adjouned to Thursday August 24, 2023
