Ray of hope as House of Reps orders completion of Onitsha-Ndoni road

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By Madu Obi

The House of Representatives has mandated the Federal Ministry of Works and the House Committee on Appropriation, to include the completion of the Onitsha-Atani-Ossomalla-Ogwuikpele-Ndoni Road project, connecting Anambra and Rivers states, thus bringing a ray of hope to the people of the area.

The road, which passes through most of the communities in Ogbaru local government area of Anambra State, has remained under construction for over 20 years.

However, at the plenary on Wednesday, the House directed that it should be included in the 2024 budget estimates, following a motion by Hon Afam Ogene representing Ogbaru federal constituency.

In the interim and to ease transportation, the House also mandated the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to provide palliative measures on the road, which collapses completely during the annual flood that usually submerges most communities in the area.

Hon. Ogene observed that the flood-ravaged Ogbaru road is the shortest route to get into Rivers State from Anambra.

According to him, the Onitsha-Atani-Ossomalla-Ogwuikpele-Ndoni Road, is the only road that connects the 15 communities in Ogbaru local government area/federal constituency of Anambra State to the rest of the state.

Ogene's motion read: “Concerned that the road is in deplorable condition, making commuting a grueling experience, which is made worse by the yearly flood disaster in the area;

“Also concerned that the people in Ogbaru local government area/federal constituency, who are predominantly farmers, find it extremely difficult to transport their produce to different markets via the dilapidated road, thus impacting their contribution to the nation’s food security; and

“Worried that this important road has become tortuous and treacherous to road users, leading to loss of lives, valuable farm produce, properties and man hours; we urge the House to adopt the motion."

Adopting the motion, the House therefore resolved urge the Federal Ministry of Works and the House Appropriation Committee, to include completion of the Onitsha-Atani-Ossomalla-Ogwuikpele-Ndoni

[Road Project in the 2024 budget estimates;

It also mandated the Committee on Works and FERMA to ensure compliance.”