Minister of Works, Senator Nweze David Umahi, praised the collaboration between the Southeast states and the Federal Government under President Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope administration. He highlighted that this partnership has led to significant infrastructure development in the SouthEast region.
Senator Umahi made these remarks during a visit on Sunday, August 4, 2024, to inspect the reconstruction of the collapsed bridge at New Artisan Market, near the NNPC Mega Filling Station in Enugu State.
Accompanied by Enugu State Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mba, the Minister commended the South East Governors for their steadfast support and collaboration with the President’s Renewed Hope agenda, particularly in advancing regional road infrastructure.
He said, “I want to commend you for the many projects you are undertaking in Enugu State. Your strategic infrastructure investments are set to boost the State’s economy significantly, and once these projects are completed, their impact will be substantial.”
Senator Umahi also expressed high praise for the South East Governors, including the Chairman of the South East Governors’ Forum and the Governors of Imo, Abia, and Anambra States.
The projects inspected included the 23-span twin flyover bridge at Eke-Obinagu Junction, Emene by Reinforced Global Ltd, the reconstruction of the collapsed bridge along the Enugu-PH Expressway at New Artisan Market by CCECC Ltd, and the dualization of a 107 km stretch of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway by RCC Ltd.
He thanked Governor Mba for initiating the dualization of 24 km of the Enugu axis of the Enugu–Abakaliki–Ogoja Trans-Sahara Highway, noting that this initiative has filled a crucial gap in the Federal Government’s infrastructure efforts in the State. He also expressed the Federal Government’s willingness to collaborate on constructing a flyover bridge at Abakpa junction in Enugu City to ease traffic congestion and enhance the State’s business environment. The Federal Ministry of Works will oversee soil tests and design considerations for the bridge, with the State Government expected to fund the project initially and later receive reimbursement through the MTN Tax Credit Scheme.
The Minister acknowledged the contractors for their work but instructed RCC Ltd to promptly return to the site to alleviate road users’ difficulties caused by incomplete sections.
He commended President Tinubu for his focus on improving South East road infrastructure and encouraged continued support for the federal government’s economic recovery programs, as highlighted in the President’s recent address.
“The President’s address is filled with hope, economic opportunities, and relief measures for our people,” Senator Umahi remarked. He expressed gratitude to the people of the South East and the Igbo communities nationwide for their patience and lack of protests, noting that the appointment of an Igbo Minister of Works is a historic achievement.
In response, Governor Mba expressed deep gratitude to the President and the Minister for their commitment, noting the Minister’s frequent visits and swift action in addressing the critical transportation issue. He emphasized the road’s importance to the South East and beyond and urged the people to support the economic recovery policies while maintaining their focus on constructive efforts.
Governor Mba concluded by praising the Minister for his contributions to the region and the country.