By Kingsley Ezekwelu
In line with his commitment to improve the security of lives and properties ,creation of job,wealth and development of basic infrastructure within the state, the need to safeguard life becomes imminent, not on security now but through measures and facilities that will help to reduce road accidents and ensure safety on our beautiful and smooth roads, governor Willie Obiano earlier today flagged off the construction of an ultra modern computerized automobile inspection center in the Awka.
Speaking shortly before the ground breaking ceremony of the automobile inspection centre by the Temple Sic Inspection Limited, located behind Central Bank, Awka, the governor said that his responsibility in the protection of lives and properties does not solely translate to fighting crimes, but also transcends to saving of lives ,minimize loss of lives through accidents . He posited that the unit will go a long way in helping minimize road accidents as vehicles will be tested and certified road worthy before plying the roads.
He noted that the ban of Okada on 5 major roads in the state is part of the drive of his administration in minimizing the spate of accidents on roads. He added that from next months, Okada operators who do not wear crash helmets will be arrested which according to him is in their best interest.
The governor further stated that he will soon Flag off the 24 hours zero pothole in Anambra state as the state government has recruited and trained 150 special people divided in clusters of 10 that will specialize in road repairs, road markings and road signs, installation of light in very dark areas and will be completed before Christmas.
He commended the Umuzocha village in Awka for donating their land for the project including others they've donated to government assuring them that their lands are for public interest.
In his address of welcome, the Awka South Chairman, Prince Azubuike Iloh, described the event as epoch. He noted that the state under governor has witnessed massive developments and innovations especially in road networking,security, health care,agricultural and job creation . He posited that the facility will ensure that cars are in good shape before plying the roads.
Earlier in his remark, the MD Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protection Agency (ANSIPPA), Hon. Joe Billy Ekwunife stated that the company is providing a service which will reduce accidents, promote road safety, reduce emission and pressure on infrastructure and public utilities, create jobs as well as increase the internally generated revenue of the state.
According to Hon. Ekwunife, the state desirous of implementing a vehicle inspection programme in Anambra state, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in June 2015, with Investor, Temple Syc Inspection Limited with a mandate to execute the service, based on the technical Know-how and required expertise in providing the service which entails design, construction and management of vehicle testing and inspection garages within the state. He disclosed that these services will be provided in 3 locations of Awka, Onitsha and Nnewi.
"The expected investment size of the project is valued at approximately US$5 Million across the 3 locations. The project is in line with the safe transportation objectives of the state ensuring that all vehicles plying the roads of the state are registered with the minimum vehicle safety and emission standard. Machines to be deployed by the company are vehicle testing and inspection machines for emission, alignment, slide slip, shocks, under-pit inspection for loose bolts, knots, leakages, brakes and headlamps", Hon. Ekwunife disclosed.
He added that a road worthiness certificate shall be issued by the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) representative attached to the testing station on confirmation of a successful vehicle check and inspection.
On the benefits derivable by Anambrarians, the ANSIPPA boss listed them to include Job creation as 150 Anambrarians will be directly employed; increased Internally Generated Revenue; safer transport system; traffic congestion and less carbon monoxide gas in the atmosphere and improved eco system.
Also speaking at the occasion, the Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Engr. R. Ejikeme stated that the partnership is a boost to the governor's effort in the transport sector.
In his remark, the chairman of Temple Syc Limited, Chief Emeka Molokwu disclosed that Anambra is the first state in South East this project will be executed, adding is the passionate effort of the governor chief Dr Willie Obiano that attracted this project, by his smart exploits and accepting to this partnership. Finally that this project will go a long way in reducing accidents in the state.
Delivering the vote of thanks, the MD Awka Capital Territory Development Agency, Arch Mike Okonkwo stated that the establishment is working in line with the governor's mandate to ACTDA to make sure that the Awka capital territory is developed like modern cities of the world like Dubai.
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