By Jude Atupulazi
The Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA) has successfully completed a groundbreaking 130-meter road in Amansea, Awka North Local Government Area. The road, constructed using paving stones, features a complete drainage system and solar-powered street lights. This project is part of a broader initiative to enhance inner-city roads in the capital, introducing a new model for road construction that is both cost-effective and durable.
Addressing residents of Amaowelle Village in Amansea during the commissioning of the project, ACTDA Managing Director, Mr. Ossy Onuko, emphasized the strategic importance of the project, which, he said, aimed to experiment with the use of paving stones for road construction.
Inspired by successful implementations in other cities, Onuko stressed the project’s potential to be replicated throughout Awka Capital Territory.
Commending Mr. Onuko for the project, the member representing Awka North Constituency in the State House of Assembly, Honorable John Mark Ikwunne, praised Governor Soludo’s appointment of effective leaders like Onuko. He noted that the project set a new standard for infrastructure in the state and was expected to last long.
For his part, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Ifeanyi Okoma, represented by the Director of Highways, Mr. Noel Okoye, affirmed the longevity and quality of the rigid pavement. He praised the Governor’s support for such innovative projects.
Also, the contractor that handled the project, Engineer Ojukwu Vincent, described the construction process as meticulous, noting that it included extensive excavation of the swampy area, replacing bad soil with sharp sand, and multiple compaction stages to ensure the road’s durability. He assured that the paving stone road was easy to maintain and built to last.
Additionally, Rev. Father Azubike Raphael Onyekwelu commended what he described as the governor’s comprehensive efforts in road construction, security, and other developmental areas. He highlighted the project’s success in alleviating flooding issues and improving mobility for local residents.
The unveiling ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including the Transition Committee Chairman of Awka South, Prince Chinedu Okafor; Deputy Majority Leader and Chairman of the House Committee on Lands; Head of Development at ACTDA, Mr. Uche Ekwunife; the TC Chairman of Njikoka, Barr. Chinedu Ononiba and the TC Chairman, Orumba South, Mr. Shedrach Azubike.
