The General Manager of the Anambra State Bureau of Public Procurement (ANSBPP), Mr. Okey Ezeobi, announced during an interaction with the press in Awka on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, that the Anambra State Government has commenced the development of a masterplan for constructing rail lines.

This ambitious project aims to facilitate transportation and stimulate economic activity within the state. Under the leadership of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, the state has engaged the services of a Canadian-based infrastructure advisory organization, CPCS Transcom Limited, to prepare and design the masterplan for the proposed rail lines.

These rail lines will connect various key locations, including Onitsha, Ihiala, Oseokwa Port via Nnewi, Igbo-Ukwu, Ekwulobia, Oko, and Umunze, which borders Abia and Imo states. Additionally, the plan includes rail lines to Awka and Anambra North, extending towards the state's boundary with Kogi.

Mr. Ezeobi emphasized the forward-thinking nature of Governor Soludo's administration, which envisions the state's economic growth over the next 10 to 20 years. Establishing an efficient transportation system, particularly through rail infrastructure, is seen as a crucial step in boosting the state's economy and increasing its GDP. The proposed rail lines are expected to facilitate the movement of goods and contribute to sustainable development.

Regarding public procurement processes, Mr. Ezeobi noted that compliance at the state level is at 100%, but there is still room for improvement at the local government level. To address this, the agency plans to organize a six-day capacity-building program for Transition Committee Chairmen in the 21 LGAs and their procurement officers.

Emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability in handling public funds, he stressed the need for well-defined procurement processes to ensure that tax revenues are utilized efficiently for the benefit of residents.