By Chizoba Okeke
The Anambra State House of Assembly Committee on Works has commenced its oversight activities with a familiarisation visit to the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, reaffirming its commitment to effective project monitoring, enhancing collaboration with the ministry.
Speaking during the visit to the ministry’s headquarters in Awka on June 16, the Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Emmanuel Nwafor, said the engagement was designed to formally initiate the committee’s oversight responsibilities, establishing a productive working relationship with the newly appointed commissioner for Works and Infrastructure.
Hon. Nwafor explained that the committee remains committed to ensuring transparency, accountability and quality delivery of infrastructure projects across the state in line with its constitutional mandate.
According to him, the committee requires comprehensive information on all ongoing projects, including relevant documentation, to enable members effectively discharge their oversight functions.
“We are here to formally commence our oversight responsibilities concerning the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, carrying out this duty effectively, we require details of all ongoing projects across the state, along with relevant documents that will guide our work,” he said.
The committee chairman stressed the importance of engaging contractors handling government projects, noting that such interactions would provide an opportunity to clearly communicate the committee’s expectations regarding project execution and delivery.
Other members of the committee, in their separate remarks, underscored the need for sustained cooperation between the legislature and the ministry, describing collaboration as essential for accelerated development and improved service delivery to Ndi Anambra.
Responding, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Arch. Okey Ezeobi, expressed appreciation to the lawmakers for the visit, pledging to build on the achievements of his predecessor.
He commended the foundation already laid in the ministry, assuring the committee of his readiness to work closely with all stakeholders to advance infrastructure development in the state.
Arch. Ezeobi revealed that his administration would place strong emphasis on drainage systems and environmental sustainability in road construction projects, noting that proper water management remains critical to the durability of roads and the prevention of erosion.
“In road construction, effective water discharge management is a major consideration. Poor drainage shortens the lifespan of roads and exposes communities to environmental challenges,” he explained.
The commissioner maintained that preventive measures are more cost-effective than addressing environmental degradation after it occurs, stressing that drainage infrastructure would remain a priority in the ministry’s project planning and execution.
He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to delivering durable and high-quality infrastructure projects that will positively impact the lives of residents across the state.
“Our goal is to give Ndi Anambra the very best. We will continue to pursue excellence in project execution, ensuring that government investments translate into meaningful benefits for our people,” Ezeobi assured.
The visit forms part of the committee’s efforts to strengthen legislative oversight, promoting accountability in the implementation of public infrastructure projects across Anambra State.
Chizoba Okeke is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation,Anambra State
