Anambra road infrastructure development, an economic enabler – Commissioner

The Anambra State Government says the ongoing roads projects will be an enabler to drive economic development and sustainability in the state and south east at large.

Mr Ifeanyi Okoma, the state’s Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, told newsmen on Thursday in Awka.

Okoma said overtime, the economy of the south east could not sustain the Igbos which was why they migrated to different parts of the country for greener pastures.

He said that Gov. Chukwuma Soludo’s administration was building a liveable and economically viable homeland that could sustain the economy of the Igbo people.

According to him, the road projects will effectively connect more communities to the urban settings and boost the state’s economic fortunes.

“We started with infrastructure development by constructing strategic roads as an economic enablers and to connect different areas and the people as well as reduce travel time.

“Some of these roads are Amansea to Ufumah, Amansea to Awba-Ofemili down to Omasi, Mmiata to Nzam to Aguleri down to Awka, Atani to Ozubulu as well a connecting road from Nzam to Lokoja.

“These are axis of development and strategic game changers which we have ignored for a long time. When completed, these roads will be highly beneficial to the communities and environs.

“It will create new axis of wealth and the industrialisation, boost the state’s agro-economy and people will no longer ferry their products within the state and to other states,” he said.

Okoma said as part of plans to build industrial cities, the state government acquired 5,000 hectres of land at Ogboji in Orumba South, to build pharmaceutical industrial city.

He added that work was ongoing at Oba to build the biggest pharmaceutical distributors’ hub in West Africa.

“This will change the narrative from trader or importing and selling to manufacturers. The chain link will be when you manufacture at Ogboji, you now distribute at Oba.

“A lot of major companies are already indicating interest to come and establish. The city will house industries, residential houses, schools, and so on; so that people can live and run their businesses there.

“The governor has approved the immediate construction of the entrance canopies and gates to the pharmaceutical industrial city,” he said.

Okoma said that other projects going on in the state were the Agulu Lake Leisure and Entertainment Centre, Fun City and Government House in the Awka capital city.

He solicited the support of critical stakeholders and the people to achieve Gov. Soludo’s liveable and sustainable homeland policies.(NAN)