Anambra commences digitised street naming, house numbering

Anambra State Government has commenced street naming and digitised house numbering exercise across the state.

The first phase of the project will be done in the three major pilot cities, namely Awka, Onitsha and Nnewi.

Inaugurating the project, Gov Willie Obiano said the exercise was part of his administration’s desire to transform Anambra State, especially, the capital, geared towards making it a smart city.

Gov Obiano, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Solo Chukwulobelu noted that when completed, it would further project the state to global recognition.

He explained that the naming and numbers as well as strategic structures would be uploaded in the Google map for easy identification and tracing.

“It will promote e-commerce vis-à-vis prompt service delivery and other social and health benefits.

“If there is an emergency situation, be it fire outbreak, health, security, it will enable the personnel or the operative to easily identify the location for immediate response and action.

“I urge the local government council to work harmoniously with the Anambra State Signage and Advertisement Agency (ANSAA), in mounting directional sign post bearing the name of every street from both ends,” Gov Obiano explained.

He however commended the members of the state House of Assembly for speedy passage of the bill, observed the maximum relationship between the state executive and the legislature, which had sustained peace in every town.

The Speaker, Anambra State House of Assembly, Uche Okafor, represented by the Majority Leader, who also doubles as the Member, representing Awka South 1, Nnamdi Okafor, stressed that the project had full legislative backing of the state House of Assembly.

He added that the House passed a bill mandating ANSAA to proceed on house numbering, which the executive arm consented for the betterment of the state.

“Street numbering is an important aspect of any city. It helps in easy identification, indeed, it’s part of global development and will help Anambra to have global look.” Speaker added.

On his part, the Managing Director, ANSAA, Jude Emecheta, explained that Anambra State Signage and Advertisement Agency (ANSAA), was legislatively established to work harmoniously with local governments in the state.

“There are streets without numbers, which we are going to number them. Those with numbers but not regular will be corrected.

“This is geared towards proper identification for adequate capturing, which will be loaded on the internet. This is part of making Anambra a smart state,” Emecheta noted.

Equally, the Transition Chairman, Awka South Local Government Council, Leo Nwuba, commended the state government for the initiative, promised to work in collaboration with ANSAA for maximum result.

The consultant for the project, Emeka Okonkwo described the project as digital mapping and first class rebranding of Anambra cities.

Chief Okonkwo promised to deploy high level of professionalism during the exercise.