Anambra Assembly calls on State Govt to direct ARMA to commence palliative work on dilapidated spots at New Market Road
By Chizoba Okeke/Anastasia Agunwa/Gloria Abugu
The Anambra State House of Assembly has called on the State Government to direct Anambra State Road Maintenance Agency(ARMA) to commence immediate palliative work at dilapidated spots at New Market road, Onitsha for easy flow of traffic in Onitsha, boost economic activities and increase revenue generation.
The House resolution was sequel to a motion moved by the member representing Onitsha South II, Mr Jude Umennajiego and was seconded by the member representing Onitsha North II Mr Patrick Okafor during plenary session.
The Speaker of the House, Mr Somotochukwu Udeze who presided during plenary session had moved for the resolution of the House while the lawmakers unanimously adopted it through voice votes.
Speaking during his motion, Mr Umennajiego noted that New Market Road, Onitsha has very high volume of traffic due to robust economic and commercial activities in the different markets that this road leads to and exits from.
The lawmaker asserted that Onitsha is the economic nerve centre of Anambra State, to the extent that you do not talk of Anambra economy without mentioning Onitsha.
"This road links to Main Market for which Anambra Economy is known and from which humongous revenue is generated.
"The current condition of this road is a serious impediment to free flow of traffic which in effect hampers commercial and economic activities as those involved in economic and other activities find it very difficult to get to their destination through this road despite the fact that this road is a major link road to many other important markets and institutions.
Mr Umennajiego submitted that these bad spots allow hoodlums to attack innocent Commuters who have the misfortune of moving in the night.
"I am disturbed that the continued bad state of this road is a source of agony and discouragement to the business Community and Commercial city of Onitsha due to its impassable state.
"It also negates and is a clog to conducive business environment which the state needs very much.
"The repairing of the New Market Road will ease traffic, boost economic activities, improve aesthetics and improve the economy of Anambra State in general and Onitsha in particular, therefore improving the revenue generation of the State," Mr Umennajiego submitted.
In his submission, the member representing Ogbaru I constituency, Mr Noble Igwe commended the governor for awarding several roads in Onitsha while noting that the importance of good roads cannot be overemphasized.
Mr Igwe said, "fixing the road will help reduce the cost of transportation considering the removal of fuel subsidy while also reducing crime in the area.
Mr Douglas Egbuna, the honourable members representing Onitsha North I explained the need for the people to have a change of attitude toward the environment.
"When it rains, the people pour refuse inside the drainages and without proper flow of drains, flood will overflow the roads and get the roads damaged.
"The need for proper distilling of drains must be considered and our attitude to our environment must be checked properly", Mr Egbuna said.
Speaking during the motion, the member representing Anaocha II, Mr Ejike Okechukwu said that the major challenge in the State is good access roads and the government is trying to live up to the expectation.
Also the members representing Nnewi South II, JohnBosco Akaegbuobi, Fredrick Ezenwa Onitsha South I, Anayo Okpalaeke Aguata I, Ms Nkechi Ogbuefi Anaocha I, all spoke in favour of the motion.
The lawmakers confirmed that the road is important in economic activities of the state and needs urgent palliative work, saying that we have to make our environment conducive for investors to come and invest. (MOI)
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