Former Anambra State governor, Mr. Peter Obi, has called on governments that would take over power in future from Governor Alex Otti in Abia State, to maintain the roads he (Otti) is building.
He said that one of the biggest tragedies of our system was the lack of maintenance culture in governance.
“In continuation of his commitment to the infrastructural development of Abia State, the state governor, Dr Alex Otti, yesterday, flagged off a strategic 30.1 km of road, the Arochukwu-Ndi Okereke-Ozuabam road. This very road had been abandoned for about 40 years.
“It is easy to imagine what had become of the communities in the area over these years concerning their contributions to the economic growth of the state.
“I could feel the impact of this road project on these communities, as it is in resemblance to the first road project which I flagged off as the governor of Anambra State in 2006, the Anaku-Omor-Igbakwu-Ifite Ogwari-Umueje- Omasi road, 39 km long.
“No road had earlier existed in these communities, and they were some of the major food-producing areas in the state. What Governor Oti is doing, for me, is what governance should be all about.
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“Investing in strategic infrastructure that will positively impact the socio-economic development of society and the ultimate well-being of the people, should be desired by any caring government, as Governor Otti has done in this particular case.
“I plead with successive governments that will take over power in the future, after Governor Otti, to do everything to maintain the roads he is now building. One of the biggest tragedies of our system is the lack of maintenance culture in governance.
“Strategic infrastructures like these require constant maintenance to be able to serve their purpose. No matter how strong a road is built, it will eventually expire and become weak if not properly maintained.
“Most roads globally are maintained periodically depending on their strength at five years, 10 years, and 15 years intervals. It then becomes imperative that this is followed.
“The government is meant to protect and care for the people, and it is imperative that we the political leaders understand this, and put it into practice, even as we all work towards the New Nigeria, a land of infinite possibilities,” he added.
