Anambra State Takes Bold Step to Enhance Road Quality with New Directive

In a bid to significantly improve the lifespan and quality of roads across Anambra State, the government has instituted stringent measures to regulate road construction projects. A key aspect of this new policy is the prohibition of laying asphalt during the rainy season, a move aimed at preventing the rapid deterioration of newly constructed roads due to adverse weather conditions. This directive, communicated through the Ministry of Works, underscores the government's commitment to upholding high engineering standards in all ongoing and future infrastructure projects within the state. Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Okey Ezeobi, while addressing contractors engaged in various road projects, emphasized the importance of adhering to these new guidelines. He instructed that all asphalt paving activities should be suspended whenever the weather conditions are deemed unsuitable, warning that any substandard work would not be accepted by the state government. Ezeobi reiterated that only roads constructed in strict adherence to established engineering standards would be certified, and that contractors would be held accountable for any defects arising from poor workmanship or failure to comply with project specifications. The commissioner affirmed the state government's resolve, under the leadership of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, to deliver road infrastructure that is not only durable but also safe for use by residents and motorists. To achieve this, the government will enforce stricter supervision of projects, ensure strict compliance with contract specifications, and conduct regular quality assurance inspections at every stage of road construction. The ultimate goal of these measures is to ensure that public funds yield value by reducing the incidence of road failures that often result from substandard construction practices and unfavorable weather conditions. Contractors working on government projects have been urged to fully comply with the new standards, with the understanding that any violations could lead to severe sanctions, including the termination of contracts. The commissioner stressed that the Soludo administration remains uncompromising on the issue of quality, with the policy aimed at providing safer and more enduring roads for the benefit of all Anambra State residents and commuters.