Federal Government refunds Billions to Anambra for reconstructing Federal roads

Federal government has promised to reimburse Anambra State Government funds it expended in reconstructing Federal Roads in the state.

The Minister of State for Power, Works and Housing, Alhaji Mustapha Baba Shehiru gave the promise when he paid a courtesy call on Governor Willie Obiano at the Government House, Awka.

Alhaji Shehiru who led team of Committee members on Verification of such expenditures made by State governors, set up by President Muhammadu Buhari, noted that they have been mandated to make the verifications and forward same to the committee, saying that the federal government is ready to pay back all authentic claims. While pointing out that he had been briefed that more than two hundred kilometres of federal roads have been reconstructed by Anambra State government, the Minister, further noted that such remedial actions by State governments is healthy for the development of the Country.                                
Responding, Governor Willie Obiano said that such projects were done, not because the State government is financially buoyant, but for their economic importance and impact on the Citizenry.
Represented by his Deputy, Dr Nkem Okeke Governor Obiano while citing the portion of Nkpor flyover that was recently reconstructed, said if not, would have been disastrous, stressing the need for a refund to enable the State channel such fund to other projects.
Governor Obiano further stated that a lot more federal roads in the State needs attention but for paucity of funds, pleading with the Minister to expedite action to commence refund of expenses already made.
In a remark, the Commissioner for Works, Chief Lawrence Chinwuba said that the visit was necessary to have a firsthand assessment of expenditures made on the federal roads in the State, saying that necessary papers accompanying such claims had since been forwarded to the Committee.             
The Minister will tour all the Federal Roads that have received intervention from the State Government.
The Zonal Director, Federal Ministry of Works, Engineer Yemi Oguntominiji, Federal Controller of Works, Anambra State, Engineer Bosah, the Secretary to the State government, Professor Solo Chukwulobelu, were among those present at the event.