In it’s efforts to bring dividends of democracy to the door steps of it’s citizens, Enugu state Government has approved the construction of 22km road in Uzo-Uzo Local Government Area of the state to enhance security and boost economic and agricultural activities within the area.
Pix- (L-R) Ulama, Ugwu, Aka ,Otiji
Commissioner for Works , Engr. Gerald Otiji disclosed that while briefing newsmen on the outcome of the State Executives Councîl’s meeting held Friday, February 9, in Government House, Enugu.
Otiji said the 22km road , which is the phase one of the road project, will start from Agu -Mgbuji to Ogbete in Eha- Amufu, Isi Uzo Local Government Area.
He added that the area have vast land that could be used for agriculture and that the construction of that road will open up the communities and take development to the area .
Pix- Commissioner for works, Engr. Otiji
According to him, the state Governor, Dr.Peter Mbah visited the area and saw a vast area of land but lacked access road, adding that people there are predominantly farmers and agro workers.
“The Governor was not happy seeing that people were chased out of their homes because the area borders our neighbouring states,” he said.
Otiji disclosed that 300 military personnel had been deployed to Isi-Uzo and their barracks is under construction and will be ready.soon.
“The army will build barracks there to give confidence to the people, make them come back home and thrive in their agro business.
“Our own part is to make sure that we provide them with good road that will enable the military and the people to carry their equipment and agro produce in and out from the area,” Otiji said.
He added that they want the road to be wide enough for two military vehicles to pass and in the long run, it will be dualised.and increased to 37km and that the project will be done within the next six months .
Fielding question from newsmen, on the 20 days ultimatum given to contractors to complete the road projects in some parts of the state, Engr. Otiji said they complied with the directive.
Pix- Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Prof. Ugwu
Speaking, the Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Prof Sam Ugwu, said the approval for the road construction, will help tackle the issues of insecurity in the area. It will also boost economic activities in the area.
Prof. Ugwu, who hailed from Isi-Uzo Local Government Area, said the approval of the road was a response from the state Government on the prevailing security challenges in the area.
He said the insecurity was more along the boundaries with Benue and Ebonyi States
“On these boundaries, we experience a lot of communal clashes between farmers and herdsmen. Last year, we lost a lot of lives within the Local Government Area as a result of the crisis.
.”Enugu State Government, in its magnanimity, has responded positively to ensure that the ugly incident comes to end,” he said.
The Commissioner also spoke on the road construction work going on at Umuchu Franco street Idaw River, Enugu He said the people were happy that the Government has remembered them after 48 years. Prof Ugwu added that the state Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah’ was determined to make life ease for the people
Pix- Commissioner for Information, Aka
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Information, Aka Eze Aka said there was emergent need to have roads at he border areas of the state, hence the approval for the construction of the Agu-Mgbuji- Ogbete- Eha- Amufu road.
On education, Aka disclosed that the State Governor has written off the cost of acquiring JAMB registration form for indigent students.
He also directed the relocation of the National Identification Management Commission’s office from the State Secretariat to a better place so they can find it easy . Aka added that Governor Mbah’ also promised to support the NIMC office with equipments to help them in their job.
Pix- Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Urama
Speaking on the financing of the project, the Commissioner for Finance, Dr Natheniel Urama said the cost is justifiable and the contract will be given to the most qualified person .
The commissioners commended the state Governor ,Dr. Peter Mbah’ ,for his good works in the state .
Author: Maureen Ikpeama