By Tony Okafor, Awka
There was widespread jubilation among residents and commuters in Onitsha yesterday as Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, announced plans to dualise the long-neglected 3-3, Nkisi and Nkwelle roads.
The roads, which serve as major arteries linking several parts of Onitsha and its environs, have for decades remained in a deplorable state, causing daily traffic gridlock and untold hardship for motorists, traders and residents.
Governor Soludo made the disclosure in a trending video, where he lamented the agonising traffic situation around the 3-3 axis, revealing that commuters are often trapped on the road for as long as four to five hours daily.
Describing the situation as unacceptable, the governor assured that his administration is determined to put an end to the nightmare faced by road users in the area.
“We are going to unlock 3-3 as part of our massive agenda to create a new Onitsha. People are held in traffic for over five hours every day, and that is going to stop,” Soludo declared.
He explained that the dualisation of the 3-3, Nkisi and Nkwelle roads is part of a broader infrastructure development plan aimed at expanding and interconnecting road networks within the metropolis, thereby easing congestion and opening up new economic opportunities.
The governor further disclosed that construction work on the roads would commence early next year, noting that the project would give residents a renewed sense of inclusion, improved mobility and much-needed economic relief.
Soludo also revealed that he personally inspected the affected roads and surrounding areas to properly assess the level of neglect and ensure adequate planning ahead of the dualisation project.
“I went to those areas myself in preparation for the dualisation,” he said.
For many residents, the announcement has raised fresh hope that an end is finally in sight to years of neglect, endless traffic jams and loss of productive hours on the roads.
When completed, the dualised roads are expected to drastically reduce travel time, improve traffic flow, boost commercial activities and significantly enhance the urban outlook of Onitsha and neighbouring communities.
