Enugu, Nigeria – The chairman of Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area (LGA) of Enugu state, Dr. Eric Odo, has flagged off the construction of the 16.5km Umuoka–Nkporogwu Ukehe–Ngele Okwete–Ugwuogo Nike Road.
Odo also flagged-off the opening of all motorable roads in all the 20 electoral wards of Igbo-Etiti LGA.
Briefing journalists before flagging off the Eke-Achara, Ukehe, road project, Odo said the construction of the Umuoka road would make it easier for people to access the LGA and open it up for more business opportunities.
According to him, the road will have solar streetlights as a way of beefing up security alone the road.
“The road traverses three local government areas of Udi, Igbo-Etiti and Enugu-East.
“This road will make it easier for our people to bring out their agricultural produce, which has been their worries.
“It is not only a legacy project, but it will wipe away tears of our people who have long suffered.
“The road will end the problem of kidnapping and other insecurity incidents disturbing our people.
“This is part of our achievements in the last one month. This implies that we have a lot of developmental programmes for people of Igbo-Etiti,” he noted.
Odo hinted that aside the Umuoka road, all access roads in the council area would receive adequate attention in order to make them accessible, pointing out that it is the cardinal agenda of his administration.
He assured the people that his administration would not abandon the project, as funds needed to complete the Umuoka and other roads are readily available.
“There will be nothing like abandoned projects because all needed resources have been mobilised for it.
“The Umuoka – Nkporogwu Ukehe – Ngele Okwete – Ugwuogo Nike road will be completed within 90 days.
“It will have three culverts, and we are sure that the contractors will do a good job on that road because of its economic benefit for our people.
“We are going to get the support of the state government in tarring it. We are hopeful that Gov. Peter Mbah will support us.
On his part, the Project Manager of the contractors, Architrite & Partner Ltd., Mr Jimon Oluwatosin, said the company would deliver a quality road before the three-month deadline.
Oluwatosin maintained that the company would ensure that the LGA gets value for the money spent on the road and other roads the firm would handle.
Also, the deputy speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Mr Ezenta Ezeani, congratulated the council chairman for embarking on such road projects.
This, Ezeani emphasised, demonstrate the passion of Odo to ensure that the people enjoy the dividends of good governance, urging him not to relent on his oars.
The flag-off was attended by many dignitaries, including government officials, women groups, community leaders and religious leaders.
