Soludo to dualise key Onitsha roads

Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State. Photo: State House

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The Anambra State governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has announced plans to commence the dualisation of 3-3, Nkisi and Nkwelle roads in Onitsha as part of efforts to ease persistent traffic congestion in the affected areas.

In a video circulating online, Soludo, who inspected the area on Saturday, disclosed that residents and commuters around the 3-3 and Nkwelle axis are often trapped in traffic for as long as four to five hours daily.

The governor described the traffic situation as “unacceptable” and said his administration is determined to bring it to an end.

According to him, the proposed road projects form part of a broader infrastructure development agenda aimed at “unlocking” the 3-3 axis through an expanded and interconnected road network that will give rise to a “new Onitsha.”

He said, “We are going to unlock 3-3 and Nkwelle axis as part of our massive agenda to create a ‘new Onitsha’. People are held in traffic for over five hours every day, and that is going to stop.

“The dualisation of the 3-3, Nkisi and Nkwelle roads is part of our broader infrastructure development plan aimed at expanding and interconnecting road networks within the metropolis, thereby easing congestion and opening up new economic opportunities.

“The construction work on the roads will commence early next year. The project would give residents a renewed sense of inclusion, improved mobility and much-needed economic relief.

“I personally inspected the affected roads and surrounding areas to properly assess the level of neglect and ensure adequate planning ahead of the dualisation project. I went to those areas myself in preparation for the dualisation.”

The governor added that, when completed, the dualised roads are expected to drastically reduce travel time, improve traffic flow, boost commercial activities and significantly enhance the urban outlook of Onitsha and neighbouring communities.

The visit has sparked widespread jubilation among residents and commuters, including traders and business owners.

In their separate reactions, they said, this would bring succour and ease traffic challenges because the roads, which serve as major components linking several parts of Onitsha and its environs, have for decades remained in a deplorable condition, resulting in several hours of traffic gridlock on a daily basis.

PUNCH Online had reported in October that Soludo reaffirmed his commitment to the dualisation of several major road projects across the state to boost transportation and economic development.

The governor said this is part of a larger plan to dualise all major “Trunk A” routes, including both state and federal roads, to connect different parts of the state seamlessly.

Key dualisation projects include the Amawbia-Nise-Agulu-Nanka-Ekwulobia-Uga Road, a 68km project aimed at linking Anambra State with Imo State.

According to Soludo, the state government has dualised more than 170 kilometres of roads, including federal roads, adding that while the Federal Government will not refund the money spent, the infrastructure is necessary for the state’s future growth and serves the local populace.

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