Mbah showcases completed, ongoing infrastructure projects ahead of third anniversary

Governor Peter Mbah has inspected several completed and ongoing infrastructure projects across Enugu State ahead of their inauguration as his administration marks its third anniversary on May 29.

Among the projects visited during the inspection tour were the 40-kilometre Owo-Ubahu-Amankanu-Umualor-Neke-Ikem dual carriageway, the 14.5-kilometre Amechi Idodo-Oruku-Amagunze Road, the New Enugu Smart City, and the Enugu International Hospital located on Rangers Avenue in Enugu.

Speaking during the tour, Mbah said the projects formed part of the strategic infrastructure being developed to transform the state’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion while positioning Enugu as a leading destination for investment, business, tourism and quality living.

According to him, the ongoing 40km dual carriageway would open up a new access route linking Enugu to Nigeria’s northern region.

“We are just about 600 metres away from the major road leading to Obollo Afor. This effectively creates a new gateway to the North. Our people can now travel to the North Central region without passing through 9th Mile or Opi Nsukka, and within a few hours, they will be in Abuja,” he said.

The governor described the road project as more than just transportation infrastructure, noting that it would unlock economic opportunities, especially for farming communities.

“This road connects communities to farmlands and markets. What we see around us are economic opportunities because farmers can now transport their produce without difficulty,” he stated.

Mbah commended the contractor, China Communications Construction Company, for maintaining an aggressive work schedule to meet the government’s deadline.

“We gave the contractors a strict completion timeline for the end of May, and to achieve that, they deployed multiple teams and worked round the clock. Government has also ensured prompt release of funds, while provisions for liquidated damages are in place in case of delays,” he explained.

He expressed satisfaction with the quality of work being executed, noting that the company’s global reputation was reflected in the standard of delivery on the projects.

“We are not only interested in speed but also quality. CCCC is among the top construction firms globally, and they have demonstrated professionalism on these projects,” he added.

The governor further reiterated his administration’s commitment to expanding rural road infrastructure across the state.

He cited the ongoing dualisation of the 44.1km Enugu-Ugwogo Nike-Opi Nsukka Road and other completed and newly flagged-off projects, including the 44.3km Ama–Eke–Oghe–Iwolo–Olo–Umulokpa Road and the 52.2km Lejja-Aku-Ukehe-Akpakume Nze-Egede-Affa-Eke road project.

At the completed Amechi Idodo-Oruku-Amagunze Road, Mbah disclosed plans to extend the road to the headquarters of Nkanu East Local Government Area.

The governor also inspected the New Enugu Smart City project, where the initial 6.5km dual carriageway has been completed, while construction continues on secondary and tertiary roads within the first 1,000 hectares of the proposed 10,000-hectare development.