Governor Mbah Conducts Tour of 40-Kilometer Highway and Various Initiatives Prior to Official Launch

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State conducted an inspection of various major road and infrastructural projects undertaken by his administration, which are set to be inaugurated in a matter of weeks.

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Some of the projects that were inspected by Mbah include the 40km Owo-Ubahu-Amankanu-Umualor-Neke-Ikem dual carriageway, the 14.5km Amechi Idodo-Oruku-Amagunze Road, the New Enugu Smart City, and the Enugu International Hospital located on Rangers Avenue, Enugu.

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Mbah, who will have been in office for three years as governor of Enugu State on 29th May, stated that these projects are part of the enablers being developed by his administration to transform the state's economy from a $4.4bn to a $30bn economy.

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According to Mbah, the goal is to position Enugu State as the premier destination for investment, business, tourism, and living, as he had promised during his campaign, and the projects are a key part of this vision.

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During the inspection tour, Mbah noted that the location of the 40km infrastructure is strategic, being just 600 metres away from the main road that leads to Obollo Afor, effectively creating a new gateway to the North.

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This new gateway will enable people to travel to the North Central region without having to go through 9th Mile or Opi Nsukka, and will allow for faster travel to Abuja, according to Mbah.

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Mbah emphasized that the 40km infrastructure represents more than just a road, as it also symbolizes new economic opportunities that will connect communities to farmlands and create wealth for the people of Enugu State.

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He expressed satisfaction with the progress being made by the contractors, China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), who are working day and night to deliver the project on schedule.

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The contractors have been given a strict timeline to complete the project by the end of May, and Mbah is hopeful that the road will be inaugurated within the next two or few weeks.

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Mbah also commended CCCC for the quality of work done so far, stating that his administration is not only interested in the speed of completion but also in the quality of the work.

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He noted that CCCC is one of the 100 biggest construction companies in the world and has a reputation to protect, which is reflected in the good job they are doing.

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Mbah's government is committed to continuing its rural roads drive, including the ongoing dualization of the 44.1km Enugu – Ugwogo Nike – Opi Nsukka Road, to expand economic opportunities for citizens.

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Other rural road projects being undertaken by the administration include the 44.3km Ama – Eke – Oghe – Iwolo – Olo – Umulokpa road and the 52.2km road from Lejja to Aku, Ukehe, Akpakume Nze, Egede, Affa, and Eke town.

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At the already completed Amechi Idodo – Oruku – Amagunze Road, the administration plans to extend the road to the Nkanu East Council Headquarters.

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Mbah also commended CCCC for the quality of work at the New Enugu Smart City, where the initial 6.5km primary road has been completed and work is progressing rapidly on the secondary and tertiary roads.

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According to the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Osita Okoh, the primary road features a 7.5m carriageway with a 2.5m shoulder and a 12m median, with a 42m right of way.

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The New Enugu Smart City will have integrated infrastructure, with all services, including water, gas, sewage, power, and internet, located underground, and the first phase is expected to be completed by 31 December 2026.

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Once completed, Enugu will be the first state in Nigeria to develop a new city with integrated infrastructure, according to the Commissioner.