By Sunday Okoli
The House Committee on Works and Infrastructure of the Anambra State House of Assembly has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering legislative collaboration with the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure to facilitate the timely execution and completion of road and infrastructure projects across the state.
The pledge was made during a familiarization and oversight visit to the Ministry’s headquarters in Awka on June 16. The delegation was led by the Committee Chairman, Hon. Emmanuel Nwafor, followed by Hon. Patrick Udoba, Hon. Chukwuebuka Golden Iloh, Hon. Ejike Okechukwu, Hon. Emmanuel Okpalaeke, and Hon. Anthony Muobike.
The lawmakers were received by the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Arc. Okey Ezeobi, alongside the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Engr. Martin Agbili, and other senior management staff.
Speaking during the visit, Hon. Nwafor congratulated the commissioner on his appointment, describing him as “a round peg in a round hole” in view of his impressive record as former Chairman of the Bureau for Public Procurement. He explained that the visit was aimed at strengthening institutional collaboration, carrying out oversight functions, and promoting the overall development of Anambra State.
While commending the Ministry for its efforts in infrastructure development, the Committee Chairman expressed concern over the pace of work on several road projects across the state, noting that many contracts appeared to have experienced delays.
In his response, Arc. Ezeobi appreciated the committee for the visit and acknowledged the contributions of his predecessor, Engr. Ifeanyi Okoma, whom he credited with laying a solid foundation for ongoing projects within the Ministry.
The commissioner also highlighted a newly introduced policy requiring every road project to incorporate a functional discharge system to effectively manage stormwater, prevent flooding, and mitigate erosion-related challenges.
Providing updates on ongoing projects, Arc. Ezeobi assured the lawmakers that contractors had not abandoned project sites. He disclosed that issues affecting the Akpaka-Nsugbe Road project had been resolved, while discussions were ongoing regarding the Pal Oko-Ogboji Road project. According to him, inflationary pressures and fluctuations in the cost of construction materials have contributed significantly to project delays.
He assured that work on the state’s road dualization projects remained on course due to sustained engagement with contractors.
The commissioner further clarified that there were no structural defects on the Ekwulobia Bridge, explaining that Governor Chukwuma Soludo intends to commission the four ongoing infrastructure projects in Ekwulobia simultaneously upon completion.
Other members of the committee congratulated the commissioner and expressed their readiness to work closely with the Ministry in advancing infrastructure development. They commended his technical expertise, particularly in road design and drainage management, and observed that his development agenda aligns with the committee’s oversight responsibilities, which will include regular inspections of project sites across the state.
Sunday Okoli is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
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