Enugu State, Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, Tuesday, flagged -off the construction of the 44.8km Amah-Eke–Oghe- Iwolo-Olo-Umulokpa road, traversing the Udi, Ezeagu and Uzo-Uwani Local Government Areas with a spur from Akama Oghe to Aguobuowa, to open the economic corridors of the state.
Pix- Gov Mbah
Performing the groundbreaking at Eke, Udi LGA, Governor Mbah said the flag-off was also a symbolic event for the numerous other roads awarded in Enugu West Senatoria zone noting that beyond Umulokpa, his administration had equally awarded the contract to make it possible for the people to travel seamlessly from Adani and connect to Nsukka.
“What you see is asphalt and well-paved road that we will have here, but what I see when I do this flag-off or when I go for commissioning is a $30bn economy. I am also seeing the eradication of poverty. I am seeing an enhanced human welfare and capital development. These are essentially what good roads do for you beyond ease of movement and reduction in travel time.
“So, with the roads we have awarded, what you essentially have is a circle, which you can travel in less than one hour. You would also be able to go from Enugu East to West and then to North with ease. That way, we can open up a lot of economic activities,” he state
He assured the project will be completed in three months.
Pix: Gov Mbah performing the ground breaking
“When we award contracts, we are quite focused on timeline and cost. So, in three months, we are back here to cut the ribbon and commission this road. The contractor already knows that we have no tolerance for time overrun. So, he is going to deliver as promised. On our part, we are going to ensure that he is well-funded.
Pix: Gov Mbah flagging -off the road construction.
So, as for the naysayers and skeptics, you can now please go and tell them what you can see because for us, it is not about the talk but the work. We are keeping our own part of the bargain. We would urge you that you continue to support us, support the contractor during this period construction,” he said.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Projects Development and Implementation, Arc. Uchenna Nwatu, in his presentation of the road construction, said the road would be completed in three months with adequate measures also put in place to checkmate erosion.
“In the new design, embarkment will be built, other hydraulic structures will follow it, drains and culverts of different sizes will be built to protect the road. One unique thing about the road is that both the shoulders of 1.5 metres and the carriageway of 7.3 metres will be asphalted. Everything will be asphalted from drain to drain,” he said.
Speaking, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Gerald Otiji, said the Governor had directed the extension of the road beyond Orie Engine.
“So, the road will run from Orie Engine down to Ebenebe by the Anambra State border with another spur running through Obinofia Ndiagu to Ugwuoba. This is part of the economic ring that the Governor is putting in place, he stated.
In his goodwill message , member, representing Nkanu East/Nkanu West Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Nnoli Nnaji, commended Governor for connecting the entire state with good roads for socioeconomic prosperity.
Speaking on behalf of their people, various leaders of Udi, Ezeagu, and Uzo-Uwani, including the Speaker, Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Uchenna Ugwu; Chairman, Udi LGA, Hon. Hyginus Agu; and the traditional ruler of Isigwu Umana, who is the Chairman, Ezeagu Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe Emmanuel Anichebe, commended the Governor for creating a brand-new Enugu State.
“We are delighted to see you champion a new Enugu State. Obviously, the eight years of your administration will be remarkable for Enugu State,” Igwe Anichebe said.
The Chief Executive Officer of Ferotex Construction Company, Chief Fetus Onu, reassured the governor and the people of the state that the road would be of the best quality and would be delivered on the agreed time.
Author: Maureen Ikpeama