Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has declared a state of emergency on infrastructure, especially roads, in the state.
Soludo made the statement Wednesday in Awka during a town hall meeting with traditional rulers, community presidents, youth and women’s groups.
He said the government would begin massive highway construction across the state to facilitate the movement of goods and services.
The Governor promised to complete the Anambra Cargo Airport and the International Convention Center and position them to be economically viable.
It said that it had regained the state of filth in the last 49 days through massive waste evacuation and removal of sediment in the drains at Onitsha and Awka.
He said that he had also formed his cabinet within three weeks of taking office.
Mr. Soludo ensured that all structures built on natural waterways or drains would be torn down to allow the free flow of water.
He said his administration would bring Onitsha back from constant degradation and restore it to its former glory days.
He described the commercial city as the largest market and preferred destination for business in West Africa.
“We have started to clean up Sakamori, where floods wash away people every year from Obodoukwu to Idemili.
“We have started to clear it so that the flood water can flow freely.
“But there is a serious case, people built structures in the Nwange drainage to the Niger River.
“But I promise that as night follows day, all of those structures must come crashing down.
“Onitsha is the biggest town in Anambra, it used to be the biggest market, everyone’s favorite destination.
“But today, Onitsha is dying, while her neighbor is growing rapidly.
“Our first job is to resurrect Onitsha, the sewers are full of dirt,” Soludo said.
He also regretted that resellers no longer allow visiting businessmen to move freely.
“Every available piece of land is covered in structures with no place to park vehicles, but our mission is to restore the glory of the city,” he said.
Soludo reiterated the ban on all highway tolls, pending when the government completes its collection system for direct payment to the government through automation.
“Carriers will pay revenue to the government, take their receipts and operate around the clock without hassle,” he said.
He described the safety of life and property as a shared responsibility, which the traditional rulers, the presidents-general, had a very important role to play.
Therefore, he urged community leaders to reactivate their vigilante groups.
He promised that the state government would provide funds through a security trust fund, which is scheduled to launch soon.
Earlier, the Deputy Governor, Onyekachukwu Ibezim, gave a presentation on the progress made so far in cleaning up Awka and Onitsha.
Ibezim said some 60 dumps had been cleaned up in Onitsha and 20 in Awka.
He said the intervention committee, which he heads, would close after three months and be taken over by local governments.
He warned residents against indiscriminate dumping of garbage.
He advised them to always use the containers and adopt healthy environmental practices.
(YAYA)