Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State on Tuesday flagged off the all important 8.8-kilometer Eha Amufu – Nkalagu road in Isi-Uzo local government area amid jubilation and commendation from the people of the area.
Flagging off the road project during a colourful ceremony which was attended by leaders of the council area, including the clerics and traditional rulers, Gov. Ugwuanyi described the road as one with “a very rich historical foundation being one of the oldest designated federal roads in Nigeria”.
The governor regretted that the road which was one of the foremost commercial centres in the country was abandoned by successive federal and state administrations when it fell into disrepair, disclosing that the last time an effort was made to repair the road was over 37 years ago during the Jim Nwobodo administration in the old Anambra State.
Gov. Ugwuanyi said that his administration has embarked on the project in keeping with its promise to alleviate the suffering of the people, saying: “We are here because we care; because of our commitment to the people of Isi-Uzi and to all rural communities in Enugu State; to restore hope and to revive a sense of inclusion and belonging among our people”.
The governor added that the reason for the commencement of work on the federal road was also because his administration believes that “the dividends of democracy must be made to impact positively and significantly on the lives of the people”.
He stated that the 8.8-kilometer road is the first phase of the project, revealing that the state government intends to “run all the way to Ikem” the headquarters of the council area.
Gov. Ugwuanyi further stated that the completion of the first phase would enable indigenes and residents of Eha-Amufu travel “safely and comfortably” to the council headquarters, while necessary procurements are being made for the construction of the remaining 16.2 kilometers from Eha-Amufu to Ikem.
“As an interim measure however, we have given directives for the commencement of preliminary earthworks that would make the latter portion motorable especially during the imminent rainy season.
“It is our expectation that when completed, this road will not only bring much-desired relief but will also usher in a new era of socio-economic revival for the people of this area.
“As we are flagging off this project, we are glad to also announce that work is nearing completion on the Ebonyi River bridge even as government had provided a makeshift bridge to ease transportation difficulties until the project is fully completed.
“I use this occasion to reassure the good people of Enugu State- the true heroes of democracy, that we remain fully committed to the entrenchment of peace and good governance in Enugu State and to the realization of our desire to take visible and sustainable development to all corners of the state, governor stated.
In their remarks, notable leaders of Isi-Uzo L.G.A, the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State, Hon. Augustine Nnamani; Member representing Isi-Uzo Constituency, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ogbuabo; Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Hon. Chijioke Edeoga; Council Chairman, Hon. Benjamin Edeoga; Anglican Bishop of Eha-Amufu Diocese, Rt. Rev. Daniel Olinya, among others, who spoke on behalf of elated people of the council area thanked Gov. Ugwuanyi for remembering them after many years of neglect, and assured him that they will reciprocate favourably during the 2019 general elections.
