Anambra Assembly Establishes Rural Roads Agency

On Wednesday, during a plenary session, the Anambra State House of Assembly passed a bill for the establishment of the Anambra State Rural Access Road Agency, which aims to manage, develop, rehabilitate, reconstruct, and maintain Class C and Class D roads in the state. Major leader Ikenna Ofodem emphasized that the agency would ensure a coordinated and sustainable approach to rural road maintenance, which is critical for economic growth, particularly in agrarian communities.

The bill received support from members like Anayo Okpalaek and Chuk Azotani, who highlighted its potential to boost commerce and reduce post-harvest losses. However, Bernard Udemezu raised concerns that the agency might undermine local government responsibilities, arguing that its functions fall within the statutory duties of local governments.

Speaker Somtochukwu Udez noted that a similar agency exists at the federal level. The Anambra State Executive Council also approved a N16.7 billion infrastructure project, which includes road construction and other initiatives across the state.