Gov Mbah Inspects Landmark Infrastructure Projects as Enugu Prepares for Major Commissioning Ceremonies
By Oguike Greg
E-ISSN:2354-4481
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has intensified preparations for the inauguration of several landmark infrastructure projects executed by his administration, undertaking an extensive inspection tour of strategic road networks and urban development projects across the state.
The inspection tour, conducted over the weekend, covered major projects including the 40-kilometre Owo–Ubahu–Amankanu–Umualor–Neke–Ikem dual carriageway, the 14.5-kilometre Amechi Idodo–Oruku–Amagunze Road, the ambitious New Enugu Smart City project, and the ultra-modern Enugu International Hospital located along Rangers Avenue in Enugu metropolis.
Speaking during the tour, Governor Mbah explained that the projects form part of his administration’s broader economic transformation agenda aimed at repositioning Enugu from a $4.4 billion economy to a projected $30 billion economy. According to him, the infrastructure drive is strategically designed to make the state a preferred destination for investment, commerce, tourism, and quality living.
Highlighting the significance of the Owo–Ikem dual carriageway, the governor described the road as a critical economic corridor that would open up a new gateway linking Enugu directly to Nigeria’s North Central region and beyond.
“We are just about 600 metres away from the major route leading to Obollo Afor. This effectively creates a new gateway to Northern Nigeria. Our people can now travel to the North Central region without necessarily passing through the 9th Mile or Opi axis, thereby reducing travel time significantly,” Mbah stated.
The governor further emphasized the agricultural and economic implications of the road project, noting that the vast agrarian communities along the corridor would now enjoy easier access to markets and transportation networks.
“Everywhere you look around this axis, you see fertile land and enormous agricultural potential. What this road does is unlock wealth and opportunities for our people. Farmers will no longer struggle with the evacuation of farm produce because connectivity has now been greatly improved,” he added.
Governor Mbah commended the contractors, China Communications Construction Company, for maintaining an aggressive construction schedule and adhering to quality standards despite the challenging timelines set by the government.
According to him, the contractors had deployed multiple work teams operating both day and night to meet the administration’s deadline for completion.
“We gave the contractors a strict completion timeline, and they responded by mobilizing heavily and sustaining round-the-clock operations. On our part as a government, we ensured prompt release of funds, while contractual provisions for liquidated damages remain in place to discourage delays,” the governor explained.
He expressed optimism that the road would be ready for commissioning within the next few weeks, adding that the project would significantly expand economic opportunities for residents and businesses across the state.
Beyond speed of delivery, the governor stressed that his administration remains firmly committed to quality infrastructure capable of standing the test of time.
“We are not only concerned about timely delivery; quality is equally important. CCCC is globally recognized among the leading construction firms in the world, and we are satisfied with the standard of work delivered so far,” he said.
Governor Mbah reiterated that rural infrastructure development remains central to his administration’s development blueprint, pointing to several ongoing and completed road projects spread across the state.
Among the projects highlighted are the ongoing dualization of the 44.1-kilometre Enugu–Ugwogo Nike–Opi Nsukka Road, as well as the completed 44.3-kilometre Ama-Eke–Oghe–Iwolo–Olo–Umulokpa Road.
He also referenced the recently flagged-off 52.2-kilometre road project connecting Lejja, Aku, Ukehe, Akpakume Nze, Egede, Affa, and Eke communities, describing them as strategic investments intended to stimulate rural economies and improve social mobility.
At the already completed Amechi Idodo–Oruku–Amagunze Road project, the governor disclosed that the administration had already concluded plans to extend the road further to the headquarters of Nkanu East Local Government Area.
During his visit to the New Enugu Smart City, Governor Mbah expressed satisfaction with the rapid pace of development at the site, particularly the completion of the initial 6.5-kilometre dual carriageway serving as the city’s primary access road.
Construction activities are also progressing rapidly on the secondary and tertiary road networks covering the first 1,000 hectares of the proposed 10,000-hectare smart city development.
Providing technical details of the project, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Osita Okoh, explained that each carriageway measures 7.5 metres with 2.5-metre shoulders and a 12-metre median, while the total right-of-way spans 42 metres.
He further revealed that the smart city project is being developed with fully integrated underground infrastructure systems, including water supply, gas pipelines, sewage systems, electricity distribution, and internet connectivity.
“What we are building here is a fully integrated modern city where all critical services are embedded underground. Once completed, Enugu State will become the first state in Nigeria to simultaneously develop a new city alongside integrated infrastructure systems of this scale,” the commissioner stated.
The first phase of the Smart City project is expected to be completed by December 31, 2026, marking another milestone in the administration’s urban modernization agenda.
