Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki
Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has commenced construction of 24km road linking the defunct Nigeria Cement Company (NIGERCEM).
The road which started from Umuogudu Oshia, Ngbo in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, also links Ehamufu in Enugu State
Flagging off the project in Umuogudu Oshia, Nwifuru represented by his Deputy, Patricia Obila, said the moribund cement factory would soon be revitalised.
He described the road was very crucial in the economic development of the state and promised to complete the project within 18 months.
He noted that the road when completed, will link Ebonyi and Enugu communities and become easy way to Abuja, the nation’s capital, for the two states.
“When we complete this road, it will link Ebonyi and Enugu States and very soon, we are going to revitalise NIGERCEM and all of you will be employed there.
“So, this road is very strategic, it is very important and all other amenities that are needed here like light, water and electricity will be given to you people,” he told Ngbo community.
The governor called on the people to corporate with the contractor handling the project and protect the materials against criminals.
The state Deputy Speaker, Chinedu Onah, said the road would open the communities it links after completion.
He noted that the people of Ngbo, Ohaukwu LGA of the state have been longing for the construction of the road because of its importance to their economic activities.
Addressing the people, the Commissioner for Works in the state, Lebechi Mbam, warned that the project would be terminated if any of the materials meant for it was stolen.
He disclosed that the road was designed with rigid pavement of 6″ with 1 meter as the shoulder.
“I want to warn the people of Umuogudu Oshia. I had a terrible experience when I was doing a section of Abakaliki/Enugu Expressway that connects 135, Ezzamgbo.
“The rate at which the working materials were stolen was something else. So, I will not waste any time to terminate this job if the contractor complains that the materials are stolen because it is the community that will encourage the stealing.
“If the community discourages their members from buying anything meant for this project, the workers will not be able to steal or sell any of these materials.
“I will not emphasise the importance of this road because it is numerous. The road will serve as a bypass, it should be alternative road to access Abakaliki and also access other neighbouring states.
“This project was awarded to a reliable indigenous contractor and it was designed to last for 18 months and I have confidence in me contractor,” he stated.
The Commissioner opined that there would be continuous supervision of the project until it is completed and commended governor Nwifuru for the trust he has in the state’s ministry of works to execute the project.
Regent of Umuogudu Oshia, Uche Ali Ega, commended Governor Nwifuru for taking the decision to construct the road.
He said the road is of strategic importance and viable to the community and not only as a link to the Nigeria Cement Company (NIGERCEM) but also links Ohaukwu and Ishielu local governments in the state.
He noted that it is the shortest connect to Enugu and Nsukka towns.
He however lamented that the community had been without electricity since ten years and requested that the problem of power supply in the community be tackled.
“We therefore request Your Excellency’s attention on the existing electricity network here that hasn’t been powered for over ten years now.
“This will not only complete our joy this yuletide season but also improve the security grip and political apparatick (sic) of our people,” he said.
