● Ferdy Agu
… Sets Completion Timeline for Contractors
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State inaugurated the construction of 78.85km of road networks across Nkanu East and Nkanu West Local Government Areas on Wednesday, marking a significant investment in rural connectivity and economic growth for the region.
The governor broke ground on several critical roads in the two LGAs. In Nkanu West LGA, he flagged off the construction of the 9.30km Amodu-Akpugo Road, the 5km Amagu-Atakwu-Akegbe Ugwu-Akpasha Road, and the 3.12km Obuofia-Obeagu-Akegbe Ugwu Road, totaling 17.32km. In Nkanu East, projects included the 12.96km Nomeh-Mburubu-Nara Road, 7km Nomeh-Oduma Road, and 7.20km Mburubu-Nkereffi Road, among others, covering a combined 61.43km.
Governor Mbah emphasized the transformative impact these roads would bring: “In the last few days, we have flagged off about 90km of roads and bridges across various local governments. Today, we flag off another 78.85km of roads in Nkanu East and Nkanu West, which will seamlessly connect communities, foster economic growth, and attract investments to our rural areas,” he said.
The governor highlighted the state’s agricultural vision, noting, “What we are about to witness in our various communities is an agricultural renaissance. We are setting up farm estates in different wards on a minimum of 200 hectares each. This will take agriculture in our state to an industrial scale. Agriculture for us will be a serious business and a major force for economic growth.”
He further explained that the road projects are pivotal to his administration’s strategy to attract cottage industries to rural areas, remarking, “We are committed to wide and paved roads, which will connect Nkanu East to Nkanu West, Aninri LGA, and Ebonyi State.”
Hon. John Ogbodo, Chairman of Nkanu West LGA, welcomed the development, expressing optimism about the benefits of the new roads. “I am glad this project will open up the hinterland, making it easier to evacuate farm produce and boost connectivity,” Ogbodo said. He assured the governor of his LGA’s full support for the state’s programs.
Dr. Sam Ogbu-Nwobodo, Managing Director and CEO of the Enugu State Investment Authority, noted that the people of the area had been clamoring for the construction of these roads for over 50 years. “This road is strategic as it connects a prominent Nigerian university, Madonna University’s Akpugo campus, to Akpawfu, Amagunze, and even to Ebonyi State. It holds immense potential for regional integration and economic development,” he added.
Governor Mbah also assured residents of his administration’s commitment to completing the projects within the stipulated timeline. “We want to assure you that we are not in the business of abandoning projects. We have secured funding and will strictly adhere to timelines to prevent any cost or time overrun. Contractors who fail to meet deadlines will face liquidated damages,” he asserted.
The Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Gerald Otiji, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Projects Development and Implementation (PDI), Arc. Uchenna Nwatu, pledged rigorous supervision to ensure high-quality results.
The Managing Director of GOWASK Engineering Ltd., Hilary Abaratu, committed to delivering the projects on time and to the highest standards.
Key figures, including former Deputy Governors Mr. Sunday Onyebuchi and Bishop Ralph Nwoye, Hon. Nnoli Nnaji of Nkanu East/Nkanu West Federal Constituency, Hon. Okechukwu Edeh (Nkanu East LGA Chairman), and Hon. Iloabuchi Aniagu and Hon. Okey Mbah of the Nkanu West and Nkanu East state constituencies, commended the governor for the projects. Traditional and community leaders also lauded the initiative, describing it as a life-changing development for their communities. GMTNewsng
