Mbah Inspects Enugu Smart City, Key Roads Ahead of Inauguration

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State conducted an inspection tour over the weekend of key road and infrastructure projects ahead of their scheduled inauguration. The projects mark the culmination of the third year of his administration, which he will clock on 29th May.

Among the facilities inspected were 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.

Speaking to journalists during the tour, Governor Mbah stated that these projects form part of the strategic enablers his administration is developing to expand the state’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion. He reiterated his campaign promise to position Enugu as a premier destination for investment, business, tourism, and living.

Highlighting the strategic importance of the 40-kilometre road, he noted, “We are just 600 metres away from the main road that leads to Obollo Afor. This means 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, you are in Abuja.”

He emphasised that the road is more than just infrastructure, describing it as a conduit for economic opportunities. “It connects our people to opportunities and communities to farmlands. Where you see green, we see opportunities and wealth, because our people can now go into farming without worrying about evacuating their produce.”

Governor Mbah expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work by the contractor, China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), which he said is working day and night to meet the end-of-May deadline. He noted that the contract includes provisions for liquidated damages in the event of delays, while the government has upheld its own obligation by ensuring prompt release of funds. “I am hoping that in the next two or a few weeks, we will return here to cut the ribbon and open this road,” he added.

He also praised CCCC for upholding high standards, stating, “We are not just interested in speed, but also in quality. CCCC is one of the 100 biggest construction companies in the world, and they have their brand name to protect. We are happy with the quality of work they are doing.”

The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to rural road development, citing ongoing projects such as the dualisation of the 44.1-kilometre Enugu–Ugwogo Nike-Opi Nsukka Road, which is being executed from both the Abakpa and Trans-Ekulu ends. He also mentioned the recently completed 44.3-kilometre Ama–Eke–Oghe–Iwolo–Olo–Umulokpa road and the flagged-off 52.2-kilometre road linking Lejja to Aku, Ukehe, Akpakume Nze, Egede, Affa, and Eke town.

At the completed Amechi Idodo-Oruku-Amagunze Road, the Governor announced that the road would be extended to the Nkanu East Council Headquarters. He further commended CCCC for progress at the New Enugu Smart City, where the initial 6.5-kilometre primary dual carriageway has been finished, and work is advancing on secondary and tertiary roads across the first 1,000 hectares of the 10,000-hectare development.