Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo says his utmost priority is to build a State Ndi Anambra will be proud of.Governor Soludo made the declaration while presenting his Scorecard during a chat with journalists to mark the 34th Anniversary of the creation of the New Anambra State at the Light House, Awka.The governor outlined his achievements in the areas of education, health, security, urban regeneration, governance, road infrastructure, healthcare, education and economic development.He emphasized that sustainable development should prioritize agriculture, access to healthcare, quality education and reliable infrastructure over short-term palliatives.The maintained that boosting agricultural productivity, creating jobs and improving access to education and healthcare are practical examples of his administration’s commitment to genuine stomach infrastructure..“It is about ensuring that residents of Anambra have access to the basic necessities needed to live with dignity and rise out of poverty.“We have distributed over 2.6 million palm and coconut seedlings to 180,000 households, we offer free education in public schools and free antenatal and delivery in government hospitals.“We recruited over 1000 health workers and 8,115 teachers; we are paying N82,000 minimum wage, we have cleared backlogs of pension arrears and gratuities of state and local government workers.“We have empowered over 5000 youths and over 8000 will soon graduate and be empowered. Over 600 kilometres out of 800 kilometres of roads have been commissioned.Speaking further on infrastructure, Gov. Soludo revealed that his administration has dualized more than 170 kilometres of federal roads in the state to boost transportation and economic development.He explained that the road dualization formed part of the state’s ongoing infrastructural transformation.“We have been dualizing major highways. We are working on over 170 kilometres of federal roads in Anambra to ease movement and drive economic progress.“The federal government will not refund the money spent. However, these roads should have been dualised 60 years ago.“By 2070, we project Anambra’s population may reach 35 million. Without improved infrastructure, people will struggle to move from one point to another.“We had to act now. If Nigeria’s moribund banking system could be fixed, roads should not be a challenge.“Refund or not, these roads serve our people. We must build and dualize them for the sake of Anambra residents,” Mr Soludo said.On the proposed rail line, he said the master plan was complete, but securing financing remained the major challenge.“Deploying public resources to create societal values is better than dashing money. That is what Anambra at 34 is a bout, our values are based on hard work and integrity,” he saidHe commended law-abiding residents for their support and urged them to continue support the state government policies.“Let’s collectively build Anambra of our dream and as your humble servant, I will continue to work round the clock to deliver dividends of democracy,” Governor. Soludo stressed.
