The administration of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, in keeping with its commitment to the wellbeing of the workers and rural development programmes, has awarded contract for the construction of access roads to the 100 Housing Units at Ede-Oballa, Nsukka Local Government Area for Nigerian workers.
The project is being developed by the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) in collaboration with Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress Nigeria (TUC), and Nigeria Employer’s Consultative Association (NECA).
Recall that the housing project was recently flagged off by the governor at a colourful ceremony witnessed by all relevant stakeholders, such as the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige and the National President of Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), Comrade (Dr.) Bobboi Bala Kaigama, who commended Gov. Ugwuanyi for his sterling performance in office and outstanding commitment to the welfare of the state’s workers.
Briefing newsmen after the meeting of the State Executive Council, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Greg Nnaji disclosed that the council expressly awarded the road contract in fulfillment of one of its contributions to the speedy actualization of the housing project for the benefit of the workers.
Engr. Nnaji noted that the state government had already commenced some vital works on the site, which allowed access to the site during the ground breaking ceremony, such as site clearing, explaining that the road will provide access to both the federal government initiated housing project and the state government’s proposed site for construction of a mini secretariat that will serve as annex to the main secretariat in Enugu.
He added that the road project will cost the state government the sum of N315 million, assuring that it will be delivered to standard and in record time.
The works commissioner also stated that the council awarded contract for the extension of the construction of Achi-Akpa-Daughters of Divine Love road, Abakpa Nike, Enugu, from the DDL gate to its Juniorate School, saying the decision was in line with the state government’s urban renewal programme.
On the maintenance of potholes in Enugu urban and intercity roads, Engr. Nnaji further stated that the state government has covered about 7,500 square meters stretching close to 1kilometer.
He further explained that government had “a little break” to enable it assess the performance of the contractors and make necessary inputs aimed at improving the output to serve the public better, saying: “We will return to site very soon”.
The commissioner revealed that road maintenance in Enugu State will now be a continuous process, pointing out that “new portholes are being identified and the team is moving to other zones such as Emene, Abakpa Nike, Coal Camp, Awkunanaw, etc for maintenance”, while the exercise in the areas already started continues.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Information, Mr. Ogbuagu Anikwe, told newsmen that the council approved the purchase of 17 tractors for the 17 L.G.As on trial basis, at the cost of N2.15 million each, stressing that “if it works well, the government will buy more to reduce the stress on farmers”.
He added that the state government will encourage individual farmers to buy the tractors “when we are sure of the equipment”.
The Commissioner for Education, Prof. Uche Eze, on his part, disclosed that the council accepted the draft law for the establishment of Enugu State College of Education, Ihe, Awgu L.G.A, presented before it by the committee on the implementation of the university’s programme, “with a view to viewing it critically for further action”.
