Mbah Inspects Major Road, Other Projects Ahead Of Inauguration

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has inspected several ongoing and completed infrastructure projects across the state ahead of their inauguration in the coming weeks.

The projects include the 40-kilometre Owo-Ubahu-Amankanu-Umualor-Neke-Ikem dual carriageway, the 14.5-kilometre Amechi Idodo-Oruku-Amagunze Road, the New Enugu Smart City, and the Enugu International Hospital located on Rangers Avenue in Enugu.

Speaking during the inspection tour, Mbah said the projects formed part of his administration’s broader strategy to transform Enugu into a major economic hub and investment destination.

According to him, the state government is pursuing infrastructure development to drive economic growth from a projected $4.4 billion economy to a $30 billion economy.

He described the 40-kilometre dual carriageway as a strategic gateway that would improve connectivity between Enugu and the North Central region.

“We are just 600 metres away from the main road that takes you to Obollo Afor. This is a brand-new gateway to the North. Our people can now travel to the North Central without going through 9th Mile or Opi Nsukka, and in a few hours, they are in Abuja,” he said.

Mbah added that the road project would create new economic opportunities for residents, especially farmers, by easing access to farmlands and improving transportation of agricultural produce.

He commended the contractor, China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), for maintaining a rapid pace of work to meet the government’s completion deadline.

The governor disclosed that the contractors had been directed to deliver the road by the end of May, adding that the state government had ensured prompt release of funds to support timely execution.

“We are not just interested in speed, but also in quality. CCCC is one of the biggest construction companies in the world, and we are satisfied with the quality of work being done,” he said.

Mbah also reiterated his administration’s commitment to expanding rural road infrastructure across the state.

He highlighted other ongoing projects, including the dualisation of the 44.1-kilometre Enugu-Ugwogo Nike-Opi Nsukka Road and the recently flagged-off 52.2-kilometre road linking Lejja, Aku, Ukehe, Akpakume Nze, Egede, Affa and Eke communities.

At the completed Amechi Idodo-Oruku-Amagunze Road, the governor announced plans to extend the road to the headquarters of Nkanu East Local Government Area.

During the inspection of the New Enugu Smart City project, Mbah praised the quality of work on the initial 6.5-kilometre dual carriageway and ongoing construction of secondary and tertiary roads within the development.

The Commissioner for Works explained that the project features integrated infrastructure, including underground water, gas, sewage, electricity and internet service lines.

He added that the first phase of the smart city project, covering 1,000 hectares, is expected to be completed by December 31, 2026.

According to the commissioner, the development would make Enugu the first state in Nigeria to build a new city with fully integrated infrastructure services.