Allocating about 85% (N37.95 billion) of the total approved sum N43.64 billion) to the dualization of Ekwulobia – Ufuma Road to me is unjustifiable. The dualization of the road is not entirely bad idea but the amount earmarked for it is disproportionate to the immediate needs of the people. It amounts to waste and misapplication of public fund. On the contrary, health and education sector in my opinion are sectors that are in serious need of financial attention. These areas count more in human resource development index of the state.
By Nchee Nwabunnia
The recent disclosure on the approval of N43.6bn by the Anambra State Executive Council (ANSEC) for roads, health, education and airport projects came with mixed feelings. On one hand, the projects are considered necessary for the people and development of the state. Thus, on the face value, one may be tempted to applaud the ANSEC for considering various sectors of the economy that requires attention. However, a closer analysis of the fund allocations to the projects gives impression of lopsided and poorly conceived public spending.
Allocating about 85% (N37.95 billion) of the total approved sum N43.64 billion) to the dualization of Ekwulobia – Ufuma Road to me is unjustifiable. The dualization of the road is not entirely bad idea but the amount earmarked for it is disproportionate to the immediate needs of the people. It amounts to waste and misapplication of public fund. On the contrary, health and education sector in my opinion are sectors that are in serious need of financial attention. These areas count more in human resource development index of the state.
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All the same, assuming but not conceding to the fact that the road in question is a priority, let us look at it more critically, especially in comparison to the dualization of Amawbia – Ekwulobia, Agulu – Nnewi, Nnewi – Oba junction which are undoubtedly crucial. Considering the administrative/economic importance of the major cities of Awka, Nnewi and Ekwulobia, the traffic loads on those roads require that the roads are upgraded to dual carriages.
On the other hand, Ekwulobia-Ufuma axis cannot boast of such traffic, neither does any community on the axis, starting from Okoh to Ufuma boast of any major economic activities. What then necessitated the need for the dualization of that road? In awarding the contract for the road, the governor, Prof Charles Soludo did not seem to be guided by critical economic principles. There is for instance my suspicion of obsession to develop the old Aguata (Aguata/Orumba) at the detriment of more genuine and pressing needs of the Ndi Anambra. This is arguable, anyway but remains my interpretation of the obviously ill-digested project. In that case, it remains a manifest politically based decision which is in total contrast to the governor’s claim of non-politically motivated choices.
I have fears that Governor Soludo is seriously tilting towards being driven by mundane policy determinants, the obsession to develop one’s own zone far and above others. The whopping sum of N37.95 billion earmarked for the project could have served a better purpose in the rehabilitation of Ekwulobia – Umunze single carriage way. This is assuming that that chunk of the money should go to that road alone. Considering that Ekwulobia – Okoh – Ufuma is 17.0KM, and single carriage will increase the distance and drag the road into Umunze at 28.7KM or even double the distance by about 34.6KM and drag a single carriage way into Owere-Ezukala, thereby terminating the road on Anambra/Abia border.
Road dualization especially in the face of meagre resources must be due to traffic load and economic importance among other factors. In this instance, I am not convinced that the right decision was made.
