By Okey Maduforo
The construction of the New Anambra Government House and Governor’s Lodge is set to be completed by December this year, according to updates from the state’s Commissioner for Works, Engr. Ifeanyi Okeoma, and the project contractor, Engr. Ikechukwu Nnahazi, CEO of Iyk Jordan Group Nig. Ltd.
Work on the eight-lane dual carriageway leading to the Government House is also nearing completion, alongside the road construction connecting Awka to Mgbakwu in Awka North Local Government Area, which is expected to be ready by the same deadline.
This project dates back to the military administration of Col. Mike Attah, who awarded it to Oil Construction Company at a cost of N600 million, backed by an Irrevocable Standing Payment Order (ISPO) of N10 million from Anambra’s federal allocations. However, the project faced interruptions, including a halt in execution and payment during Sen. Chris Ngige’s tenure as governor, due to controversies surrounding its implementation.
Engr. Okeoma emphasized the significance of the project, stating that Anambra State deserves a befitting Government House. “The governor cannot continue living in a rented building and traveling daily from Awka to Amawbia. You can see for yourself that work has reached an advanced stage. Out of over sixteen buildings within the Government House compound, thirteen, including the Governor’s Lodge and the Secretariat, are now completed.
“By and large, the New Government House in Awka will be ready for use by December, and we are deliberate in ensuring the success of this project. The eight-lane dual carriageway, which has been expanded from four lanes, is also progressing well and will connect to Mgbakwu,” he said.
Engr. Nnahazi corroborated the commissioner’s statement, noting that while earlier completion was anticipated, challenges such as the rising cost of construction materials caused delays. “We initially aimed to complete the project earlier, but unforeseen challenges came up during the process. Despite this, December remains achievable.”
He highlighted the inflation in material costs, stating, “We started this project when cement was priced at N2,700 per bag two years ago, but it is now over N10,000, and at some point, it rose to N15,000 per bag. The support of Governor Charles Soludo in securing materials has been instrumental in keeping the December deadline on track.”
The much-anticipated completion of the Government House marks a significant milestone in Anambra State’s infrastructural development, providing a modern and functional administrative base for governance.
