As part of the measures put in place to boost agricultural productivity and improve the livelihood of rural communities, Nigerian Covid 19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) Programme, Result Area 2(Fadama) have handed over eight rural access roads to contractors for rehabilitation in Enugu State.
The handover event which recently took place at various sites, marked the beginning of a new era for rural farmers in Enugu State, to make it easier for the benefiting communities to enjoy better connectivity and mobility.
The initiative is a demonstration of Governor Peter Mbah’s disruptive innovation and business unusual mantra as well as governance par excellence.
Pix-,-Nara road
he 8 (eight) rural access roads spanning a total of 9.012km included:
-Oduma Ezinesi road (1.05km)
-Nara road (2km)
-Amalla Orba road (2.1km)
-Ikpa Nsukka road (1.5km)
-Ogbeke road (1.1km)
-Amechi Awkunanaw road (324m)
-Mgbuji Ehamufu road (620m)
-Ninth Mile road (355m)
These roads will be rehabilitated to improve access to markets, inputs and services for rural farmers and communities.
Speaking during the sites handover, the State Project Coordinator of Fadama, Geoffrey Eze who was represented by the Head Technical Services, Engr. Godson Onugwu emphasised the importance of rural road rehabilitation in stimulating agricultural growth and reducing poverty.
He noted that Fadama is one of the delivery platforms under Nigerian Covid 19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus Programme (NG-CARES) aimed at increasing food security and safe functioning of food supply chains among poor and vulnerable households.
Pix- The handing over event, Engr. Emmanuel Ezenyi , technical officer Fadama( second R) with his team at 9Th mile
*These roads are important to the livelihood of our rural communities. By rehabilitating them, we are opening up opportunities for farmers, traders and other rural dwellers to access markets, services and economic opportunities”, Engr Onugwu said.
Engr. Onugwu charged the contractors to take ownership of the rehabilitation work and deliver high-quality work that would stand the test of time, adding that the roads are lifelines for rural communities and their quality will directly impact the lives of thousands of people. He enjoined them to ensure that every aspect of the work meets the highest standards of quality and safety.
Pix-Engr Godson Onogwu, head technical services Fadama(L) with his team
He also expressed appreciation to Enugu State Governor, Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah for his unwavering support and commitment to the NG-CARES Programme in Enugu State, adding that such have been instrumental in driving the success of the programme which has transformed the lives and livelihood of thousands of beneficiaries.
Responding, the contractors who were selected through a transparent bidding process, assured the Fadama team of their commitment to delivering quality work within the stipulated timeframe. They said that their team of experts will ensure that every aspect of the road project work will meet the required specifications and standard that will make real difference to the lives of rural communities.
In response to the handover of various sites, community leaders across the various communities spoke in approval of the road project.
The President General Amechi Awkunanaw , Hon. Paul Agbo expressed gratitude to Enugu State Government and Fadama team for the initiative , saying that the rehabilitation of Amechi Awkunanaw road will be a game- changer for their community.
“ We are thrilled about the planned rehabilitation of Amalla Orba road where we have Cashew processing Centre which will improve our access to markets and services”, said Igwe Onugwu Ezeh, the traditional rural of Orba Community in Udenu Local Government Area.
“We are eagerly awaiting the rehabilitation of Mgbuji Eha-Amufu road, which will make it easier for us to transport our farm produce to markets”, said Chief Sunday Aneke, a stakeholder from Eha-Amufu community in Isi-uzo L.G.A.
It is expected that the rehabilitation of the eight rural access roads will benefit over 5,000 people , improve their livelihood and enhance easy transportation of goods and services in the communities.
Author: Maureen Ikpeama