It is indisputable that no government can drive the desired growth and development in the absence of good roads. This reality informed the resolve of the Emmanuel Uduaghan government to build a well-planned and sustainable road network in the state. Therefore, since inception, the government has embarked on massive rehabilitation and reconstruction of the existing roads as well as construction of new ones.
In order to achieve the road infrastructure transformation dream of the government, the Ministry of Works, under the leadership of Hon. Solomon Fukekeme, has been transformed. According to the commissioner, the ministry has been restructured and motivated by Governor Uduaghan so that it can effectively carry out its mandate. The government has also undergone some huge and ambitious road projects through the Ministry of Special Duties and Special Infrastructure, headed by Mrs. Orezi Esievor.
One of the massive and ambitious road projects in the state is the Asaba-Ughelli road which is about 149 kilometres. The road, which links several communities in the state and which is one of the longest roads in the country, is to open opportunities for traders to take advantage of Warri Port and Onitsha market. Already, about 47 kilometres of the road have been completed and a considerable portion of it is already in use by the public. Also, the bridge on the road is 100 percent completed.
The Trans-Warri-Ode Itsekiri road/bridge project in Warri South Local Government Area is also a huge one. The 23 kilometreroad, according to Esievor, will have 23 bridges to open up and link 10 communities in the coaster area. The benefiting communities are Ifie, Ubeji, Ajeta, Orugbo, Usele, Ugbodede, Ajigba, Inorin, Ijala and Ode-Itsekiri. There is also the Sapele-Ugberikoko- Abigborodo-Arawon road. It is an 11 kilometer road, also in the riverine area. All these projects are ambitious ones aiming at rapidly developing and integrating all the communities in the state, both in the upland and riverine regions. Undoubtedly, it requires a lot of courage and a clearly defined sense of purpose to undertake this kind of projects considering the marshy terrain of these communities. Ongoing in the state is the construction of the Ila road to link the market in the area. The market serves neighbouring states of Anambra and Kogi.
Asaba, the state capital, is enjoying the attention of the government. Quite recently, the Asaba township roads have undergone massive reconstruction and rehabilitation. New roads are also being built. These roads include Junior Staff Quarters Road, Kingsly Emu Road, DBS Road, Jesus Saves Road and DLA Road. Others are Erhuvwu Club Street, Onyebashi Road, Umuagu-Federal Government Technical College Road, Anwai Road, Agric Road, Meduemezia Road, Ezenei Road and St. Brigids Road.
The Uduaghan government has also made tremendous strides in the area of provision of effective drainage system alongside roads within Asaba and all the cities and communities across the state. The overall design of these drainage systems is to protect the road network and prevent flooding.
National Mirror