Ejimofor Opara, a senior special assistant to Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo on new media, says President Bola Tinubu has approved the design and procurement of two major federal road projects expected to boost connectivity and economic activity in the South-East.

Mr Opara disclosed this in a statement on Thursday in Awka.

He said the approval followed a meeting between Messrs Soludo and Tinubu on July 1, during which the governor highlighted critical infrastructure deficits affecting the South-East region.

According to him, the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, subsequently requested details of the priority roads proposed by the governor.

He said Soludo forwarded two major road corridors for consideration on July 3.

The projects, he said, are the 108-kilometre Otuocha–Anam–Abaji Road and the 150-kilometre Oba–Nnewi–Uga–Ihube/Okigwe Junction Road, both approved for dualisation.

Mr Opara said the Ministry of Works confirmed on July 15 that President Tinubu has approved both projects for design and procurement.

He described the roads as strategic regional economic corridors that would strengthen transportation links between the South-East, North-Central and other parts of the country.

According to him, the Otuocha–Anam–Abaji Road will connect Anambra to Kogi, while the Oba–Nnewi–Uga–Ihube/Okigwe Junction Road will improve access between Anambra, Imo, and Abia states and link to the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway.

He said the projects would reduce travel time, lower transportation costs, facilitate trade and improve access to markets.

Mr Opara also said the approvals reflected the outcome of constructive engagement between the federal and Anambra State governments on infrastructure development.

He expressed optimism that the projects would accelerate regional economic growth and promote national integration.

The aide added that more strategic infrastructure projects for the South-East were being pursued to support sustainable development in the region. 

(NAN)