By Ikemefuna Asika, Awka
A cross section of residents of Awka the Anambra State Capital has given thumps up to the Capital Territory Development Agency, (ACTDA) for its consistency in ensuring that the liveable, prosperous and mega city plans of governor Chukwuma Soludo become a reality.
According to the residents, the Agency led by Ossy Onuko has proven to be focused and resilient when it comes to doing the right things for the overall interest of the residents, motorists and road users.
Speaking with our Correspondent , the respondents applauded the Soludo led administration for walking the talk when it comes to giving Awka the status of a state capital.
Awka Capital Territory Development Agency ACTDA, was established to coordinate , control and ensure that the entire communities that make up the state capital are carried along in terms of development and in a manner that conforms with government policies and Programmes.
One of the residents, Chukwujekwu Umeh from Mgbakwu, one of the communities that make up the capital territory, said the free flow of traffic presently experienced at the Regina junction axis of the Enugu Onitsha expressway is a clear confirmation of the consistency of ACTDA in doing the proper thing .
Umeh called on the agency not to be deterred by negative reactions from some dislodged persons who are bent on dragging the government back with their personal interest without considering if their actions affect others.
Another respondent, Paul Okoko who deals on wine and beverages at Unizik Temporary site Junction, said it was the first time an agency of government is sustaining the drive to keep the streets free for pedestrians and motorists.
According to him, the Managing Director of ACTDA , Ossy Onuko has proven to be a good administrator with the way he has insisted on making Awka , a state capital to envy.
On his part, a Community leader, Ozor Obi Ochije Moudilim, stated that successive administrations in the past had claimed to be developing Awka but that non of them can match the facelift governor Soludo has brought in Awka through the Awka Capital Territory Development Agency ACTDA, and other ministries.
According Ozor Ochije Moudilim, the massive road constructions in Okpuno, Agulu Awka, Ifite among other areas have not only opened up the capital city but have also conferred the status of a state capital in the town.
Ozor Ochije, who commended ACTDA leadership for insisting on doing the right thing, noted that the promise of giving Awka phase two attention before the end of his first four year term, goes a long way to distinguish Professor Soludu as a Godsent and leader who has the overall interest of the state at heart.
Two Tricycle operators , Jude Okoye, and Ben Nweze who ply the popular Unizik Temporary junction Okouno axis, said even though the enforcement by government agencies affects them in some cases, they will forever remain loyal to the present administration for the quality of roads and returning sanity on the routes by discouraging street trading.
A shuttle bus driver, Oliver Umeh, while recalling their ordeal in playing the deplorable roads within Okpuno axis, said ACTDA no doubt has helped in giving the area a facelift even as he encouraged them to consider designating motor parks for their operations.
Also Speaking, another resident, Tochukwu Charles, called in the Managing Director of ACTDA not to be deterred by the few comments from people who have developed attitude in blocking the roads in the name of looking for daily breads.
According to him, Awka is a state capital so, anyone who wishes to reside in it to do business must be willing to adhere and comply with government directives which is aimed at giving the city the outlook that is deserving of a state capital.
Some of the displaced traders who did not want their names mentioned regretted that their means of livelihood were no longer stable due to the enforcement by the ACTDA but however admitted that the aesthetics and new look of Aroma, Unizik and Regina Junctions are commendable.
They however appealed to the authorities to designate locations for them, so that they could continue their petty trading.
According to them, if they are provided with an alternative spots , they will not hesitate to comply and indeed support Governor Chukwuma Soludo in his policy of a Prosperous Liveable, Green Homeland.
However their fears and appeals seem to have been noted and putting into consideration as ACTDA Managing Director , Mr Osy Onuko noted that places have already been designated for petty trading across the state capital.
According to him, apart from the sells points, the agency is currently building a state of the art petty trading market in Club road Awka for the people.
Mr. Onuko therefore called on residents to support the visionary leadership of governor Chukwuma Soludo who is doing everything to transform not just Awka but the entire state.
