The Anambra State governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has announced plans to commence the dualisation of 3-3, Nkisi and Nkwelle roads in Onitsha to ease persistent traffic congestion in the area.
Soludo, who inspected the roads on Saturday, said residents and commuters around the 3-3 and Nkwelle axis are often trapped in traffic for up to four to five hours daily, describing the situation as “unacceptable.”
According to the governor, the dualisation forms part of a broader infrastructure development agenda aimed at “unlocking” the 3-3 axis and creating a “new Onitsha” through an expanded and interconnected road network.
“We are going to unlock 3-3 and Nkwelle axis as part of our massive agenda to create a ‘new Onitsha’. People are held in traffic for over five hours every day, and that is going to stop,” Soludo said. “The construction work on the roads will commence early next year. The project will give residents a renewed sense of inclusion, improved mobility and much-needed economic relief.”
He added that, once completed, the dualised roads are expected to drastically reduce travel time, improve traffic flow, boost commercial activities and enhance the urban outlook of Onitsha and neighbouring communities.
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The governor’s visit sparked jubilation among residents and commuters, including traders and business owners, who said the project would provide relief as the roads, which connect major parts of Onitsha, have remained in a deplorable state for decades, causing severe traffic gridlock.
Soludo noted that the dualisation of 3-3, Nkisi and Nkwelle roads is part of a larger plan to dualise all major “Trunk A” routes, including both state and federal roads, to connect different parts of Anambra State seamlessly. Key projects under the plan include the 68km Amawbia-Nise-Agulu-Nanka-Ekwulobia-Uga Road, linking Anambra with neighbouring Imo State.
The governor also disclosed that the state government has already dualised more than 170 kilometres of roads, including federal roads, emphasizing that the infrastructure investments, though not reimbursed by the Federal Government, are crucial for the state’s future growth and benefit the local populace.