A newly constructed road in Onitsha, Anambra State, has been washed away barely one week after its inauguration, sparking public outrage and renewed scrutiny of infrastructure quality under Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo’s administration.
The road, located along Ochanja Road in Onitsha South Local Government Area, was reportedly washed off following a torrential downpour that lasted less than thirty minutes on Monday. Residents said the rain exposed underlying construction defects, with large portions of the asphalt peeled off and the drainage channels blocked by floodwater.
Eyewitnesses described the incident as “embarrassing” and called for an immediate investigation into the project.
“We are shocked that a newly commissioned road could fail so soon,” said Chika Nwosu, a trader in the area. “This shows that something was not done right. Government must hold the contractor accountable.”
Government Reacts
Governor Soludo reacted to the development on Tuesday, admitting that parts of the road were affected by the rainfall. He, however, assured that his administration would enforce strict quality control and compel the contractor to repair the damaged section at no additional cost to the state.
“Our policy is simple — no substandard work will be accepted in Anambra,” Soludo stated. “Any contractor that delivers poor work must return to fix it. The people deserve roads that last.”
The Commissioner for Works, Engr. Ifeanyi Okoma, explained that the road was still under construction and had not been fully completed when the rainstorm occurred. He attributed the damage partly to incomplete drainage connections and the force of the floodwaters.
Public Outcry and Expert Concerns
Civil society groups, including the Anambra Civil Society Network (ACSONET), have called for a thorough technical investigation to determine the actual cause of the failure. They emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in public projects.
“This incident raises serious questions about project supervision and the quality of materials used,” said ACSONET convener, Prince Chris Azor. “Contractors who compromise standards should be blacklisted.”
Environmental experts have also warned that the growing pattern of road washouts and erosion across the state underscores the urgent need for improved drainage and climate-resilient designs.
Broader Implications
The incident adds to a series of infrastructure setbacks reported across the Southeast region, where heavy rains continue to expose weaknesses in road construction and urban planning.
As of press time, engineers were on-site assessing the extent of the damage, while traffic diversions had been created to ease movement within the affected area.
By Newsday Correspondent, Onitsha