Yuletide: ACTDA BOSS Warns Against Burning Tyres on Newly Constructed Roads
By Ukpa Ewa
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA) Dr. Ossy Onuko, has cautioned residents against burning tyres on newly constructed roads, warning that the practice damages asphalt and accelerates road deterioration.
Dr. Onuko gave the warning in Awka while receiving Ward Chairmen of Awka South Local Government Area who paid him a courtesy visit to celebrate the victory of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo in the recent gubernatorial election, where he emerged victorious in all 21 local government areas of Anambra State.
He described tyre burning on roads as “terrible and unacceptable,” stressing that ACTDA has banned the act and that offenders will face the full weight of the law. According to him, once tyres are burnt on asphalt, the road is permanently damaged.
Speaking on the Yuletide season, the ACTDA boss said Christmas signifies the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ and as a predominantly Christian state, Anambra is deliberately creating an enabling and festive environment for residents and visitors. He said the ongoing infrastructural transformation of Awka including road construction, the Fun City project, the stadium and improved aesthetic appeal is aimed at giving visitors reason to relax, enjoy and return to the state.
Speaking further, Dr. Onuko explained that the Onwa Dezemba programme initiated by Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo was to ensure that people visiting Anambra during the festive season have structured activities to make Christmas and New Year celebrations a complete experience rather than confining themselves to their homes and villages.
Reviewing ACTDA’s performance so far, he said the agency has recorded remarkable achievements despite economic challenges nationwide.
He noted that ACTDA has evolved from being merely a development control and enforcement agency to a full development and infrastructure agency. According to him, the authority now undertakes road construction, drainage desilting and urban renewal initiatives adding that designs for the proposed Awka City Park have been completed and will soon be executed as another major attraction in the capital city.
However, he urged Awka residents to relax and enjoy the season describing Gov. Soludo as a visionary leader who has shown clear direction for the state development.
In his remarks, the Special Squad Commander of the Anambra Internal Revenue Service and Chairman of Ward 8 Agwu – Awka, Mr. Obikweku Nathan said all 20 ward chairmen appreciate Dr. Onuko’s support and generosity, pledging him 100 percent loyalty. He said several projects requested during the campaign such as the rehabilitation of Aquinas Road, Nya Ranch Road, Book Foundation Road and provision of pipe borne water have been executed in his ward, adding that more wards would benefit from ACTDA’s interventions in January 2026.
He assured visitors coming into the state for the Yuletide season of their safety, noting that security outfits such as Operation Udogachi and Agunechemba are fully on ground. He warned that anyone caught engaging in touting or disturbing residents and visitors would be prosecuted.
Also, the Chairman of Awka Ward 5 Comrade Obinna Udeorah said he was not surprised by the Christmas donations made by the ACTDA MD, describing it as consistent with his past gestures. He commended Governor Soludo’s administration for transforming Awka into a true capital city and the leading city in the South East through road projects, Fun City, youth empowerment, and skills acquisition programmes.
The highlight of the event was the distribution of bags of rice to the ward chairmen.
