Governor Peter Mbah has flagged off the construction of 141 urban roads across Enugu, with beneficiary zones including Abakpa, Achara Layout, Asata, Awkunanaw, Coal Camp, Independence Layout, New Haven, Old GRA, Thinkers Corner, Trans-Ekulu, and Uwani.
The governor performed the official flag-off ceremony at Ologo in the Coal Camp Zone of Enugu North LGA and Monaque Avenue in the Awkunanaw Zone of Enugu South LGA, emphasizing that the project aligns with his administration’s broader vision to eradicate poverty, expand Enugu State’s economy to $30 billion, and position it as a prime 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 said.
Governor Mbah further stated that the 141 roads had been divided into 17 lots to facilitate their completion within the next three months.
He assured that adequate funding had been allocated and that contractors had undergone a rigorous selection process to ensure only competent firms were awarded the projects.
Meanwhile, residents of Ologo, including Chief Chris Okaka, and the President-General of Amechi-Uwani, Chief Ifeanyi Nnaji, commended the governor for addressing the long-standing neglect of Ologo and Monaque Avenue, which had gone without repairs for over four decades.
“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.”
In a similar vein, the Chairman of Enugu North LGA, Hon. Ibenaku Onoh, and his Enugu South counterpart, Hon. Caleb Ani, praised the governor’s ward-based development strategy, noting that it has significantly eased governance at the local government level.
“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 said.
The Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Gerald Otiji, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Project Development and Implementation, assured that strict supervision and necessary measures would be in place to guarantee high-quality project execution.
Contractors handling the projects also pledged to deliver quality work on schedule, having met the stringent procurement conditions set by the government.
