Ben Ezechime, Enugu
Member of the House of Representatives, Chimaobi Atu (LP), representing Enugu North and South Federal Constituency, has flagged-off an additional two-kilometre link road in Ugwuaji community in Enugu South council area to tackle economic hardship.
It would be recalled that Atu, on Tuesday, flagged-off a one-kilometre Eke Market–Umumba-Afor Market Road in Ndiagu village within Ugwuaji community to facilitate farm produce evacuation and economic development.
Flagging off the Ayo Station-Ndiagu-Obeagu Ugwuaji Link Road (Phase one) within Ugwuaji community on Friday, Atu said that the road remained a vital link road to some inner roads within the Obeagu axis of Ugwuaji community.
The lawmaker said that the road would further open up the area, serve as a boost to farm produce evacuation and economic enhancement meant to alleviate all forms of hardship of the people.
He said: “Immediately after I was sworn-in, I graded most of the unmotorable roads within the constituency, which covered Enugu South and Enugu North council areas; while about some months ago, we gave out scholarships to hundreds of indigent students.
“About three months ago, there was empowerment/skill training for hundreds of constituents , especially women and youths, which was back-up with starter packs for them all.
“We have continued to provide massive stomach infrastructure, which all here will attest to during the Christmas and Easter periods. This is mentioning just a few of the programmes and benefits we have lined up for our people.”
Atu, however, warned the contractor handling the road project to stick to specifications, adding that “I will not spare any contractor that will provide substandard and shabby roads to the people.”
He also urged the people of the community to cooperate with the contractor as well as ensure that the contractor did not short-change them, but “give them the best as they deserve it.”
The Rep member also revealed that he had been pushing for no fewer than 37-kilometre of roads, especially access and link roads, to be built in the constituency within his first two years in the Green Chamber.
Speaking, Igwe Nwobodo Nyia, the Traditional Ruler of Obeagu Ugwuaji Autonomous Community, noted that Atu remained a shining example of what democracy should do in the lives of the people.
Nyia, who is the Ezeudo III of Ugwuaji, said: “We have seen democracy dividends in action and my subjects (the people) are overwhelmed with joy for this and many more to come.
“We are seriously praying for your protection and uplift since you have decided to uplift us as a community, God will surely uplift and protect you in all your endeavours.”
Chief Chinwuba Ngwu, Chairman of Labour Party in Enugu South LGA, said that Atu’s achievements within a short time in the House of Representatives had been unprecedented.
“We are proud of Atu and we have not regretted supporting his candidacy,” he said.
Ngwu also said that Atu has been outspoken and participated vigorously in parliamentarian activities and still have a close touch at home with all his constituents.
Responding, the Chief Executive Officer of Uduezue and Sons Nigeria Limited, Chief Emma Uduezue, who is handling the project, thanked the traditional ruler and people of the community for the warm reception they accorded him and his workers.
Uduezue assured that the company would deliver quality and durable road to the community; adding, “all standards of the project – specifications and timing – will be maintained.”
A resident of the community, Chief Okeke Egbu-Nwachukwu, appreciated Atu and the Federal Government for the gesture.
Egbu-Nwachukwu said: “This road when completed will quicken the pace of getting to the community centre and improve the economy of this our area in general.”
