Ebonyi State Governor, Engr. David Umahi, has flagged off the construction of three major roads in the three senatorial zones of the state.

They are the 23.7km Hilltop-Nwofe and the 15.5km Nkalagu/Ehamufu roads awarded to China Zunghaoi Ltd. as well as the 23.5 km Amasiri/Okposi/Uburu Road awarded to CONROCK Nigeria Ltd.

Governor Umahi on Thursday told an excited crowd at the Hilltop Field in Abakaliki that the commencement of work on the Hilltop-Nwofe Road was a dream fulfilled.

He added that the reconstruction of the road was underscored by the overwhelming support and solidarity he received from Izzi people during the governorship election in the state.

Recalling that the road had suffered many years of neglect, he pointed out that his decision to award the contract was also informed by the massive support from the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Francis Nwifuru, who is an Izzi man.

The governor directed that work must go simultaneously from the two ends of the road. He also directed that three civil engineers from the local government areas where the road passes must be engaged to be part of the teams to supervise the three roads.

According to him, the engineers would garner more experience from the contractors to enable them benefit from projects that would be awarded in future by his administration.

At Nkalagu, the governor described the Nkalagu-Ehamufu Road, which last received government attention almost six decades ago, as not only important to Ebonyi State but to the entire Igbo race.

He disclosed that negotiation had reached advanced stage for Ibeto Cement Company to take over and revitalise NIGERCEM Cement Factory in Nkalagu to regain its past glory.

“By flagging off the construction of this road, it is no longer a hidden agenda that Ibeto must come and develop NIGERCEM and by 7th of this month, we must have concluded with Ibeto and do agreement with him to ensure that the rights of our communities, Local and state Governments are protected,” he added.

At Amasiri junction where he described the gathering as being akin to a political rally, the governor announced plans to construct Effium, Agba/Ohoffia road, Ntezi/Isu road and Ebwona road next year.

He said the Amasiri-Okposi-Uburu Road was important because it also links Ebonyi State with Enugu State.

Governor Umahi directed local government chairmen and coordinators of development centres whose areas are linked to the roads to monitor the progress of work by the contractor.

He said: “There is no project started by this administration that will be stopped. They have their money. Where our money stopped, they continue with their money and we will be paying. It is in the agreement.

“I will give you a road built on concrete that for 50 years, nobody will touch the road.”

The Commissioner for Works, Engr. Fidelis Nweze, observed that the Hilltop-Nwofe Road had never received attention since the inception of old Eastern Region.

•Photo shows Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State flagging off the reconstruction of the Nkalagu-Ehamufu Road at Nkalagu on Thursday. With him are Deputy Governor Kelechi Igwe (left) and Speaker of the House of Assembly, Francis Nwifuru.

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