By Christian ABURIME
Anambra State Governor Professor Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, has expressed the deliberateness of his administration to transform Onitsha metropolis.
Governor Soludo stated this at the Commissioning of Trans-Nkisi Recreation Centre, Onitsha.
The governor, who described Onitsha as the commercial capital of the South East, said that if it doesn’t move, the entire region will not move.
“I am excited to come to Trans-Nkisi.
“The transformation of the whole axis- Akpaka, 3-3, GRA are so critical to the greater Onitsha.
“We started from Okpoko. Our major drive is to develop our place. We are breathing life back into our towns.
“Everywhere in Anambra state is experiencing something and turned into a large construction site. We are prioritising needs, “Governor Soludo stated.
While speaking about the Onitsha main market, reputed to be the largest market in West Africa, the Governor revealed the existence of a master plan, saying that soon, the market will be rebuilt; with multi-storey complexes, to become 21st century compliant.
“With the population surge, our master plan for a greater Onitsha will come in handy, at least because of the next generation.
“Anambra has the smallest landmass after Lagos. All the trunk A roads will be dualized.
The governor stated that because of inadequate resources, the Public-Private-Community-Partnership, PPCP model can be used to develop the state.
The governor thanked ndị Anambra, who are already answering the call. He enumerated a number of roads built by patriotic and rich ndị Anambra, which he has already commissioned since the call was made.
Evaluating the resources available to the government, Governor Soludo said, “A look at the budget of Anambra relative to the income of the state is nothing to write home about.
He reiterated that “the reality is that 99 per cent of the resources are in private hands, government is in possession the remaining.
“This is why most governments make promises and don’t fulfil it. But, for me, I will say what I will do, and I will do what I say.
“I commend you for the fitness centre, but there is more to be done.
“The basic civic duty by adults is payment of tax. It is a sad reality that keke riders contribute more taxes than wealthy businessmen and women.
The governor expressed readiness to partner people of the area to develop the place.
“I am ready to do pilot phase building. I’ll come again when we set out our programme.
“We will set up a joint committee of Trans Nkisi and government. For every amount you people contribute, we will match it with fifty per cent, “the governor further said.
The Secretary of the Landlord Allottees of Trans Nkisi Layout, Nchekwube Okeke, appreciated Prof. Soludo for being the first governor to visit the layout after 44 years of its creation.
“This visit is remarkable for many reasons.
“We have been dreaming of such an opportunity to appreciate the governor for his uncommon wisdom in piloting the affairs of the state.
“When completed, the ongoing projects within the layout will open the layout to the outside world,” he said.
He pleaded with the governor to wade into the issue of land grabbers, especially in parts of phase two of the layout, saying that they are receiving support from neighbouring communities.
“We make earnest supplication for more roads within the layout.
“We have applied for more polling units. We appeal for assistance since it will afford more people opportunities to vote.
Among other pleas, he pledged their support and readiness to fully cooperate with the state government in developing their layout.
