Marking his first year in office, Enugu State Governor Dr. Peter Mbah commenced the commissioning of 71 urban road projects on Wednesday, representing the initial phase of an extensive infrastructure initiative aimed at enhancing road networks within the state capital.
Governor Mbah also revealed plans for a second phase, encompassing the construction of 80 additional roads. He emphasized the administration’s commitment to rural development, pledging to build a minimum of 10 kilometers of road in each electoral ward to ensure rural areas are not neglected.
“We have a policy to pave all Trunk A and Trunk B roads in both urban and rural areas,” stated Mbah.
At a symbolic ceremony at Mount Street/Umuchu Road junction in Idaw River, the governor officially opened several road projects in the Idaw River, Uwani, and Coal Camp Zones. This marked the first road intervention in the Idaw River area in 52 years, bringing much-needed infrastructure improvements to the community.
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The newly commissioned roads include Broderick Street, Silver Smith Street, Asata Mine Road, Ogbete – Jamboree – Ajogwu Road in Coal Camp, and Emeka Ebila, Idaw River Secondary School Road, among others in Idaw River. In Uwani Zone, roads such as Bishop Anyogu Street, College Road, and Edeozie Street were inaugurated. The Gariki Zone saw the opening of St. Peter’s Road, Odudukoko Street, and the Garki flyover along with its ramps.
Amid celebrations from grateful residents, Governor Mbah expressed his dedication to the community’s welfare. “In the last 52 years, there has been no intervention here. Our primary purpose in government is to ensure your security and welfare. This is what drives us every day,” he said.
Mbah reaffirmed his commitment to providing essential services such as paved roads, water, and electricity, which he described as basic amenities that should be taken for granted.
“Last year, we started constructing 71 urban roads. Today, we are commissioning those roads. But this is just the beginning. We are about to embark on another 80 roads construction. Additionally, we plan to develop 10 kilometers of road per ward across the 260 wards to ensure rural development,” he announced.
At St. Peter’s Road, Gariki, Awkunanaw, Mbah assured residents that the government was working tirelessly to complete water reticulation projects to provide them with running water. He also promised the installation of streetlights and access to Smart Schools for all children in Enugu State.
Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Gerald Otiji, highlighted the quality and supervision of the road projects, noting the use of French drains to manage water in swampy areas.
Chief Cosmas Agu, Managing Director of Comag Steel and Construction Ltd., urged residents to avoid actions that could damage the roads, such as dumping refuse in the drainage systems.
Evangelist Hilary Ayichi, a leader of the Idaw River community, praised Governor Mbah for addressing long-standing infrastructural needs. “Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah has brought hope, joy, and fulfillment to us. He is truly the people’s governor,” Ayichi said.
