By Fred Nnaji
Enugu State Governor, Dr Peter Mbah has flagged-off the construction and the dualization of 41 Kilometre Abakpa Nike-Ugwogo Nike-Ekwegbe-Opi Nsukka road, as well as the dualization of 3.6 Kilometre Nike Lake-Penoks Junction-NOWAS-T-junction road.
Performing the function at Opi Nsukka, the governor said the project was part of his campaign promises, noting that it will enhance economic activities in the Enugu north zone, grow the state GDP exponentially and eradicate poverty.
Our government house correspondent Fred Nnaji completes the report…
Describing Nsukka zone as another economic hub of the state, Dr Mbah said the road project would be completed within 18 months, stating that his administration has zero tolerance for cost and time overrun as the funds for the project have been secured.
He charged the contractor to keep to the contract agreement and urged the people to be patient as many would be affected by gridlock and demolitions, describing the period of the project as a time a woman is in labour, but joy comes when she delivers as no meaningful development comes without adverse effects.
While assuring that insecurity on the road would be banished forever, Dr Mbah said the road is designed to be a free way devoid of road blocks or barricades, but with enough patrol vehicles for the security agencies and streetlights.
Earlier, the traditional ruler of Edem-Ani ancient kingdom and Chairman, Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers, Igwe Samuel Asadu, acknowledged that the project was coming as a surprise package to the people of Nsukka zone and assured the governor of their continued support.
Also, the Deputy Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Ezeani Ezenta, described the governor as a man of his words, stating that he has demonstrated more Nsukka than any person from the zone.
On his part, former Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Chief Okechukwu Itanyi, described the project as “gigantic, huge, unbelievable and marvelous,” noting that it would open Nsukka Zone and the state to the world.
The Chief Executive Officer of COMAG Construction Company, Cosmas Agu who commended the governor for entrusting such a huge project to a local construction firm, promised to deliver the project within the stipulated time.
Other notable stakeholders including the Chairman of Nsukka Nsukka LGA, Jude Asogwa, former Secretaries to the State Government, Dr. Dan Shere and Prof. Simon Ortuanya among others, described the initiative as a welcome development and a new dawn in Nsukka zone.