Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra says his administration has dualised more than 170 kilometres of federal roads in the state to boost transportation and economic development.

Mr Soludo disclosed this on Wednesday at a news conference in Awka to mark Anambra’s 34th anniversary.

Anambra was created on Aug. 27, 1991, alongside eight other states by then military president, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida.

Mr Soludo said the road dualisation formed part of the state’s ongoing infrastructural transformation.

“We have been dualising major highways. We are working on over 170 kilometres of federal roads in Anambra to ease movement and drive economic progress.

“The federal government will not refund the money spent. However, these roads should have been dualised 60 years ago.

“By 2070, we project Anambra’s population may reach 35 million. Without improved infrastructure, people will struggle to move from one point to another.

“We had to act now. If Nigeria’s moribund banking system could be fixed, roads should not be a challenge.

“Refund or not, these roads serve our people. We must build and dualise them for the sake of Anambra residents,” Mr Soludo said.

On the proposed rail line, he said the master plan was complete, but securing financing remained the major challenge.

(NAN)