Chinedu Ngwuta, Abakaliki
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has eulogized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his resilient spirit in the equitable distribution of infrastructure development across the South-East geo political zone, even as the Federal Government accelerates work on the Abakpa Junction flyover in Enugu and sections of the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway.
Umahi who spoke during an inspection of the project site, said he was impressed by the progress of work on his last visit to the location about three weeks ago, noting that President Tinubu’s dedication to infrastructure development aligns with the needs of the Igbo people, stressing that good roads and modern facilities are essential for business growth and economic expansion.
According to the minister, the project was conceived at a very difficult time when the government had limited funds to pay contractors and settle compensation for affected facilities, including those belonging to the Nigerian Army and the Orthopedic Hospital in the area.
Umahi also commended the Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, disclosing that about ₦1.5 billion would be required to pay part of the compensation, adding that funding challenges persist due to the large number of projects being handled across the country.
He, however, said President Tinubu has directed that the necessary payments be made to ensure the project continues without delay.
The minister revealed that the present administration inherited over ₦13 trillion in debt and about 268 ongoing road projects as of May 2023, which has made funding difficult, but assured Nigerians that the government remains committed to completing critical infrastructure nationwide.
He stated that before the current interventions, road users could hardly travel for one hour without encountering bad roads, but noted that the situation is gradually improving due to ongoing rehabilitation and construction works across the country.
Umahi also highlighted the impact of ongoing flyover projects in Enugu, saying traffic congestion has reduced significantly in many areas. He cited the Eke-Obinagu flyover, which he said will soon be commissioned by President Tinubu, noting that the project has eased traffic that previously caused motorists to spend several hours on the road.
The minister commended China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation for the quality of work done so far and urged the contractor to increase the pace of work, assuring them that payment would be made soon.
According to him, only 23 piles remain to be completed on the Abakpa flyover, which he said could be finished within two months if work is accelerated.
Earlier, the Project Engineer, Ezeugo Emmanuel, explained that the Abakpa Junction interchange flyover is designed to connect Enugu, Onitsha and Abakaliki roads in order to ease traffic congestion in the area.
He said piling work has commenced, with about 15 piles already completed, while several others are still to be done within the project stretch of about 800 metres.
Ezeugo added that the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway project also includes the construction of service lanes linking the major roads, noting that the area experiences heavy traffic, especially during rush hours due to its proximity to residential areas and a major hospital.
He described the flyover as very important to residents of Trans-Ekulu, Abakpa, GRA axis and other parts of Enugu, expressing confidence that the contractor will deliver the project within the one-year completion period.
