On Tuesday, Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, flagged off the construction of 141 urban roads across 13 zones of the state capital, asserting that the residents of the city and Enugu State deserve nothing but the best.
The beneficiary zones include Abakpa, Achara Layout, Asata, Awkunanaw, Coal Camp, Independence Layout, New Haven, Old GRA, Thinkers Corner, Trans-Ekulu, and Uwani.
Performing the symbolic flag-off at Ologo in the Coal Camp Zone of Enugu North LGA and Monaque Avenue in the Awkunanaw Zone of Enugu South LGA, Mbah explained that the roads are part of his administration’s vision to eradicate poverty, grow Enugu State’s economy to $30 billion, and make the state a leading destination for investment, business, tourism, and quality living.
“For me, this is not just about laying tarmac on our roads. It is about empowering our women and creating a platform for them to generate wealth. We must remember our commitment to eradicating poverty, and we know it cannot be achieved by mere wishful thinking. We need to carry out the necessary actions required by the government to ensure zero hunger in our communities. We understand the critical role that infrastructure, like roads, plays in our communities.
“We know that improved roads will enhance business patronage, and residents will spend less on transportation, as costs will decrease. For instance, if a Keke (commercial tricycle) driver knows he will be navigating good roads, he will charge passengers less. This results in increased disposable income, helping to drive poverty out of our community,” he stated.
The governor explained that the 141 roads have been organised into 17 lots to ensure completion within the next three months, assuring that funds have been allocated, and due diligence has been conducted on the contractors to ensure the jobs are awarded only to capable firms.
Meanwhile, a resident of Ologo, Chief Chris Okaka, along with the President-General of Amechi-Uwani, Chief Ifeanyi Nnaji, praised Mbah for recognising Ologo and Monaque Avenue after over forty years of neglect by previous administrations.
“For the past forty years, no government has repaired this road. We had to go from house to house collecting money to fix one side of the drainage. After completing one side, we couldn’t finish the other because everyone was struggling financially.
“But I told everyone that Peter Mbah was coming to address this issue. Your Excellency, today you are here to pave the road. We have decided that by 2027, any other poster we see here, we will tear it down. You are going for your second term.”
Similarly, the Council Chairman of Enugu North, Hon. Ibenaku Onoh, and his counterpart in Enugu South, Hon. Caleb Ani, noted that the governor’s ward-based development approach has made tasks easier for the 17 local government councils.
“We will continue to support grassroots politics by following your example in prioritising everything that impacts the people. At the right time, the people of Enugu State will reward you with further support,” Onoh stated.
The Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Gerald Otiji, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Project Development and Implementation, both promised rigorous supervision and all necessary measures during project preparation to ensure the delivery of quality work.
The contractors, for their part, assured the governor of their commitment to quality and timely project delivery, having passed the strict procurement processes and conditions set by his administration.
