The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council, has raised concerns over the quality of some road projects executed by the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, saying some newly constructed roads are already undergoing repairs and showing signs of failure.
The union made the statement in a communiqué issued at the end of its congress held on Thursday, July 23, at the Godwin Ezeemo International Press Center, NUJ Secretariat Complex, Awka.
The NUJ said the condition of some roads contrasts with Governor Soludo’s earlier promise that roads constructed under his administration would last for at least 20 years.
“The Congress expressed concern over the poor quality of some roads that are recently constructed by the State Government, which are already undergoing patches and some being washed away, in contrast to Governor Chukwuma Soludo's promise that all the roads to be constructed by his administration will last at least for a period of 20 years,” the communiqué stated.
The union also appealed to the state government to clear outstanding pension and gratuity obligations owed to former workers of the defunct *National Light Newspaper* and the Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS).
It further urged residents to stop dumping waste in drainage channels, warning that the practice contributes to flooding and increases the spread of waterborne diseases.
On traffic management, the NUJ condemned the increasing rate of motorists driving against traffic and called for stricter compliance with road safety regulations.
The union also criticised the design of some road intersections, including those around St. Paul’s Nibo/Nise, Ezi Agnes Junction in Nise, and Emeka Aghasili Secondary School, arguing that the layouts create unnecessary detours for motorists.
It urged the Anambra Road Traffic Management Agency (ARTMA) to work with contractors to address such road design challenges while maintaining enforcement of traffic laws with consideration.
The NUJ also encouraged residents to take advantage of the state government’s tax waiver programme under the Voluntary Assets Income Declaration and Tax Regularisation Scheme (VAIDS) before its expiration.
