The Onitsha Ochanja Roundabout in Anambra State for over 20 years known for hosting a mountain of refuse and animal carcasses, with deplorable roads like Ozomagala Street, Iweka Road, Menax Street and other adjoining roads abandoned for over 30 years have been a major source of worry and concern for residents, traders and commuters.
But with the power of transformation which the Governor of the State, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo often talks about, the area has been turned into an enchanting roundabout with a functional water fountain. That is transformation in practical term.
The Governor has equally impacted the same Midas touch in many other areas of the state’s social infrastructure within the past two years.
Most significant are the labyrinth of solid roads, pipe-borne water with public taps and healthcare centres among others which he recently commissioned, mostly in parts of the State that have not seen such facilities since Nigeria became a sovereign country.
The nerve-wracking traffic gridlock that was a regular nightmare for commuters has become a thing of the past. There is now a free and smooth flow of vehicular traffic conveying people and their goods, to and from the area.
Already, reports have it that some petty traders, particularly “ọkịrịka” sellers, immediately swooped on the just completed roundabout to display their wares while others, intrigued by the novelty have gone there to wash their limbs and different items.
The roundabout and water fountain is meant to facilitate smooth traffic flow and beautify the place. It shouldn’t be used as public tap or extension of market stalls or to display wares, as OCHA Brigade has been directed to ensure compliance.
