Ben Ezechime, Enugu
The Enugu State Government has flagged off the construction of 141 urban roads across the 13 zones of the state capital.
Some of the roads includes Abakpa, Achara Layout, Asata, Awkunanaw, Coal Camp, Independence Layout, New Haven, Old GRA, Thinkers Corner, Trans-Ekulu, and Uwani.
Governor Peter Mbah performed the flag-off at Ologo under Coal Camp Zone in Enugu North Local Government Area and Monaque Avenue in Awkunanaw Zone, in Enugu South LGA.
The governor explained that the roads were part of his administration’s vision to eradicate poverty, grow Enugu State’s economy to $30bn and make the state a premier destination for investments, business, tourism, and for better living condition.
“For me, this is not about putting a black pavement on our roads. What I see is empowering our women and making sure that we create a platform for them to generate wealth.
“Do not forget that our commitment is to eradicate poverty, and we know that we cannot just wish the eradication of poverty into existence.
“We need to do the necessary things required by government to ensure that we have zero hunger. We know what critical infrastructure like roads do for our communities.
“We know that it will ensure that those that are doing business have more patronage, and even those living here will no longer have to spend so much on transportation because the cost of transportation will reduce,” he said.
He further explained that the 141 roads have been organised into 17 lots to ensure completion in the next three months.
He disclosed that funds have been provided, while due diligence was done on the contractors to ensure that the jobs were awarded to only capable hands.
Meanwhile, a resident of Ologo, Chief Chris Okaka and President-General of Amechi-Uwani, Chief Ifeanyi Nnaji, hailed Mbah for remembering Ologo and Monaque Avenue neighbourhoods after over 40 years of neglect by successive governments.
“For the past forty years, nobody has done this road. We went house to house to collect money to do one other side of the drainage. After doing one side, we could not do the other because everyone was complaining of hardship.
“But I told them that Peter Mbah was coming and he would do it. Your Excellency, today you are here to do the road. We have said that by 2027, any other poster we see here, we will tear it off. You are going for your second term.”
Likewise, the Council Chairman of Enugu North, Hon. Ibenaku Onoh, and his Enugu South counterpart, Hon. Caleb Ani, said the governor’s ward-based development had made things easier for the 17 local government councils.
“Therefore, we will hold down the grassroots politics for you by following your example in prioritising everything that affects the people. At the right time, the people of Enugu State will reward you with more support,” Ono stated.
The Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Gerald Otiji, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Project Development and Implementation, promised intensive supervision in addition to all necessary steps taken during project preparation to ensure the delivery of quality jobs.
