Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo of Anambra State has commissioned a newly completed three kilometre road project in Ekwusigo Local Government Area, describing the project as evidence of what strengthened local government administration can achieve at the grassroots.
The road, executed by the Ekwusigo Local Government Council under the leadership of Mayor Hon. Chimezie James Obi, features cement stabilization, stone-base construction and asphalt surfacing. The project links communities within the local government area and is expected to improve movement and economic activities.
Speaking during the commissioning, Governor Soludo commended the Ekwusigo council administration for the quality of the project, saying the road demonstrated the capacity of local governments to execute major infrastructure when adequately empowered.
According to the Governor, the development reflects reforms undertaken by his administration to strengthen local government institutions and improve their ability to deliver services directly to residents.
Soludo also said the reforms were designed to move local councils beyond struggles with basic obligations and enable them to undertake projects in areas such as roads, primary healthcare, education and other grassroots services.
The Governor further addressed the issue of outstanding salary arrears involving some primary school teachers, saying a fresh recertification exercise was underway to determine the outstanding liabilities, which he put at more than N400 million. He said payment would commence after the verification process is completed.
Soludo described the Ekwusigo road as a “proof of concept” of what empowered local administrations can achieve, adding that he would embark on a tour of other local government areas to commission projects completed by their respective mayors.
He also said more than 137 roads and other projects across Anambra were awaiting commissioning, describing the development as part of the broader infrastructure programme of his administration.
At the event, Mayor Chimezie Obi outlined other projects undertaken by the council, including improvements in infrastructure, security, education and youth empowerment. The council has also invested in practical skills programmes for students in public secondary schools across the area.
Governor Soludo subsequently inspected the newly constructed road and commissioned a legislative building within the Ekwusigo Local Government Secretariat.
He also presented cash support to selected students and schools participating in skills-acquisition programmes implemented under the council’s empowerment initiatives.
The commissioning adds to a series of infrastructure and human capital projects being executed in Ekwusigo, including road construction, security infrastructure, vocational education and improvements to public facilities.
By Enitan Mudashiru | MUK TV News
