By Tony Okafor
The Ekwulobia Flyover is arguably one of the signature infrastructure projects of the Soludo administration. More importantly, it is not a last-minute, election-season project hurriedly conceived for political mileage.
The project was awarded early in the administration as part of the broader effort to transform the Amawbia–Ekwulobia–Uga corridor and tame the notorious traffic gridlock in Ekwulobia.
That is why its present status is puzzling.
The Anambra State Government had announced that the flyover and the dualised Amawbia–Ekwulobia–Uga road would be commissioned during the state’s 35th anniversary in August 2026. Yet September is ending, and the facility is still without the promised formal commissioning.
The state government has previously dismissed reports of structural defects, saying the bridge underwent quality assurance and structural integrity assessments and was certified safe for use.
The Ministry of Works has also stated categorically that there are no structural defects on the bridge.
Then, what exactly are we waiting for?
A bridge is not a monument. A flyover is not built merely to decorate a city skyline or provide an impressive backdrop for a commissioning ceremony. Its real value begins when motorists, traders, transporters and ordinary citizens can use it to save time, reduce congestion and stimulate economic activity.
Indeed, the government itself has reported that motorists and motorcyclists regard the project as a solution to Ekwulobia’s historic traffic nightmare.
The government therefore owes Ndi Anambra a clear explanation. If there are outstanding technical, safety or ancillary issues, let them be stated plainly and resolved expeditiously.
But if the bridge has passed the requisite integrity tests, the government should equally debunk, once and for all, the rumour in town that the flyover has engineering deficiencies.
The Ekwulobia Flyover should not become big for nothing. Its greatest legacy will not be its size, beauty or political symbolism, but the traffic, time and economic burdens it actually removes from the people.
An expensive public asset cannot remain in limbo indefinitely.
