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Community laments 10 years without electricity
From Uchenna Inya, Abakaliki
Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru has commenced the construction of a 24km road linking the defunct Nigeria Cement Company (NIGERCEM).
The road, which begins at Umuogudu Oshia, Ngbo in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, also connects to Ehamufu in Enugu State.
Flagging off the project in Umuogudu Oshia, Nwifuru, represented by his Deputy Patricia Obila, stated that the moribund cement factory would soon be revitalised.
He described the road as crucial for the economic development of the state and promised to complete the project within 18 months.
He noted that once completed, the road would link communities in Ebonyi and Enugu States, providing a direct route to Abuja, the nation’s capital.
“When we complete this road, it will link Ebonyi and Enugu States, and very soon, we are going to revitalise NIGERCEM, and all of you will be employed there.
“So, this road is very strategic; it is very important, and all other amenities needed here, such as light, water, and electricity, will be provided for you,” he assured the Ngbo community.
The governor urged the people to cooperate with the contractor handling the project and to protect the materials from criminal activity.
The State Deputy Speaker, Hon. Chinedu Onah, stated that the road would open up the communities it connects once completed. He highlighted that the people of Ngbo in Ohaukwu Local Government Area had longed for the road’s construction due to its significance for their economic activities.
Addressing the people, the Commissioner for Works in the state, Lebechi Mbam, warned that the project would be terminated if any materials intended for its execution were stolen.
He disclosed that the road was designed with a rigid pavement of six inches, with one metre designated as the shoulder.
“I want to warn the people of Umuogudu Oshia. I had a terrible experience when working on a section of the Abakaliki/Enugu expressway that connects 135 Ezzamgbo.
“The rate at which working materials were stolen was alarming. I will not hesitate to terminate this project if the contractor complains about stolen materials because it is the community that enables such theft.
“If the community discourages its members from buying any stolen materials, the workers will have no avenue to steal or sell them.
“This road will serve as a bypass and an alternative route to access Abakaliki and other neighbouring states.
“This project was awarded to a reliable indigenous contractor, designed to last 18 months, and I have confidence in the contractor,” he said.
The Commissioner assured that the project would be continuously supervised until its completion and commended Governor Nwifuru for entrusting the Ministry of Works with its execution.
The Regent of Umuogudu Oshia, Uche Ali Ega, praised Governor Nwifuru for the decision to construct the road.
He described the road as strategically important and beneficial to the community, not only as a link to NIGERCEM but also connecting Ohaukwu and Ishielu Local Government Areas.
He noted that the road is the shortest route to Enugu and Nsukka towns.
However, he lamented that the community had been without electricity for ten years and appealed for the issue of power supply to be addressed.
“We therefore request Your Excellency’s attention on the existing electricity network here that hasn’t been powered for over ten years.
“This will not only complete our joy this yuletide season but also improve the security and political apparatus of our people,” he said.