Rural Access Roads Agency Bill Passes Second Reading at Anambra House of Assembly

A bill seeking to establish the Anambra State Rural Access Roads Agency has passed its second reading at the Anambra State House of Assembly.
The proposed agency, when operational, will oversee the overall management, development, rehabilitation, reconstruction, and maintenance of Class C and Class D roads across Anambra State.
The executive bill, presented during plenary, aims to improve rural accessibility, strengthen transport infrastructure, and enhance agricultural marketing in communities throughout the state.
Leading the debate, the Majority Leader, Mr. Ikenna Ofodeme, stated that establishing the agency would ensure a coordinated and sustainable approach to maintaining rural roads, which he described as critical to economic growth, particularly in agrarian communities.
Mr. Ofodeme, who represents Ekwusigo Constituency, noted that poor rural road networks continue to hinder agricultural productivity, increase transportation costs, and limit access to markets.
He stressed that the proposed agency would help bridge the infrastructure gap between urban and rural areas.
In their contributions, Mr. Anayo Okpalaeke (Aguata Constituency I), Mr. Chuks Azotani (Dunukofia Constituency), and Chief Ejike Okechukwu (Anaocha Constituency II) lauded the bill, describing it as timely and development-oriented.
They emphasized that improved rural roads would boost commerce, reduce post-harvest losses, and enhance security in remote communities.
However, the member representing Anyamelum Constituency, Mr. Bernard Udemezue, who recently resumed legislative duties following his suspension, argued that the proposed agency could undermine the constitutional responsibilities of the local government system.
According to him, the functions outlined in the bill fall within the statutory duties of local governments if they are properly empowered and funded.
In his remarks, the Speaker of the House, Mr. Somtochukwu Udeze, who presided over the plenary, noted that a similar initiative exists at the federal level under the Federal Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), which is also operational in Anambra State. He stated that the House would subject the bill to further legislative scrutiny at the committee stage.