Senate Committee on Works Visits Anambra, Commends Gov Obiano for Undertaking to Work on Federal Roads

The Chairman of Senate Committee on Works, Senator Kabiru Gaya has commended the governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano for undertaking to work on roads even when they are Federal roads in order to ease the pains of road users and ensure a hitch free yuletide season for the people.
Welcoming the Senators to Anambra State yesterday, governor Obiano expressed how proud he feels to see Nigerian Senators giving quality representation to their constituents.

Governor Obiano told the Senators that "Nothing is happening at the Onitsha end of the second Niger bridge, i have resolved the community issues with respect to right of passage. We will be happy if work commences."

Expressing optimism that "through the instrumentality of the Senate" Anambra State will get refund of the money spent on Federal projects worth over N43bn, governor Obiano pleaded with the committee to add some new roads in next year's budget.

The roads are Umueze Anam - Kogi road, Oba-Nnewi Okigwe road, Aguleri - Adani road, Okija Ihiala Uli - Egbema road amongst others.

Speaking at the Exco Chambers after inspection tour of select places in the State, Sen Gaya said that the committee members are impressed with what they saw noting that they have always followed the success stories emanating from Anambra State.

Pointing out the laudable achievements of the governor especially the three modern flyovers that have changed the skyline of the capital city of Awka, Sen Gaya hailed governor Obiano saying "You are working very very well, we are proud of you."

In his words, while referring to the Umunya Axis of Enugu-Onitsha Expressway where the State Government is currently undertaking major palliative works, Sen Gaya said, "We are happy that you are working on a road that is even a Federal Road to allow your people come home easily... We've made provisions to refund all the money expended."

According to Sen Gaya, the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway will be accommodated in 2017 budget meanwhile the 2016 budget has adequate provisions to take care of roads done by State Governments including Anambra.

On the second Niger Bridge, Sen Gaya explained that some grey areas need to be sorted out with the contractors to ensure work resumes immediately.

Sen Gaya added that the Federal Government has made some payments as required by the PPP arrangement assuring that the contractors have been invited to Abuja for an all important meeting to clear all the grey areas.

With the governor in Exco Chambers were the Deputy Governor, Nkem Okeke; Secretary to the State Government, Prof Solo Chukwulobelu; Chief of Staff, Prof Joe Asike; Honourable Commissioners and other members of the State Executive Council.

While other members of the Senate Committee on Works present were Senators Clifford Ordia (Vice Chairman), Barnabas He made, Biodun Olujimi, Bukar Abba-Ibrahim, Mao Ohuabunwa, Ben Murray Bruce and Ibrahim Danbaba.

Credit: Rtn Ifeanyi ANIAGOH
Abagana, Anambra State