BY JENNIFER JOHN / OWERRI
.
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, yesterday commissioned the newly reconstructed Mgbidi-Oguta road as well as the DSS road around Amakohia -Onitsha Road.
.
Speaking during the Commissioning of the roads, Governor Uzodimma enthused that durable roads were critical to his Shared Prosperity infrastructural agenda.
.
He said, “For the last five years, we have taken the bull by the horns, to ensure that our roads are motorable, to ensure that economic activities are properly stimulated, to ensure that across the 27 LGAs of Imo State, indigenes can easily come to the state capital”.
.
The governor said the provision of basic infrastructure remains the nucleus of his administration to ensure that life is made affordable in the state, disclosing that over one hundred and twenty (120) quality roads have been constructed across the state, with the last five years of his administration.
.
“This is driven by our shared vision to diversify the economy and industrialize the state to engage our teeming youth population into meaningful businesses”, he added.
.
Speaking about the Mgbidi -Oguta Road, Governor Uzodimma describing people of Oguta and Oru West as important members of Imo State.
.
He listed other largesse his administration had taken to the area to include; the Orashi Energy Free Trade Zone, which he said critical component part of that project will house a river port at Oguta and will bring industries into the zone.
.
“Therefore it is logical that there should be easy access to the Free Trade Zone, as all the trailers and lorries that will bring goods in and out of the zone; some will come through Mgbidi to Oguta, while some will come through Avu_FUTO junction.
.
The governor charged the traditional rulers and community leaders of the two LGAs to take ownership of the road and ensure that vandals do not vandalize the street lights.
.
At the commissioning of the DSS Road, the governor noted, “The DSS Road is a critical infrastructural project that will enhance connectivity and facilitate economic activities in the state.”
.
“This road will not only improve the lives of our citizens but also attract businesses and investors to our state,”
.
Governor Uzodimma pledged to continue working tirelessly to deliver more infrastructural projects, including roads, bridges, and public buildings.
The road was commissioned by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress and named after him, Umar Ganduje.
.
Earlier, the State Commissioner for Works, Chief Ralph Nwosu said the Governor recognized the economic and tourism potentials of Oguta, and the fact that Mgbidi is a gateway, reason for doing what he did on the road.
.
He said that the road is a broad way of 12 metres wide, adding that it was extended by six kilometers, accommodating some rural roads in Oguta town, such as; Nzimiro Road, A.C Nwapa Road, Justice Oputa Road; all together making the road up to 18 kilometers.
.
He also described the road as a critical connectivity project that will open up the city and enhance economic activities.
.
“This 3.4-kilometer road, with a spur of 1.7 kilometers, will provide a vital link between our rural communities and the city center”, he added.
.
Nwosu noted that the road is part of the inner-ring road arrangement that will provide an alternative route for commuters and reduce traffic congestion in the city.
.
The Commissioner revealed that the road project had been in the works for a long time due to initial construction challenges, but expressed gratitude to Governor Uzodimma for prioritizing the project, under the “Our Road Revolution” nitiative.
Comment here