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From Aloysius Attah, Onitsha
Professor Hyacinth Nnaoma Iwu of the Department of Political Science, Adekunle Ajasin University (AAU), Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, has commended Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State for laying solid infrastructure foundations that “will guide successive future administrations in the state.”
He was addressing a recent meeting of critical stakeholders as the guest speaker in Owerri.
He said: “Future state governments would benefit from Uzodimma’s emphasis on quality and durability in infrastructure projects, particularly road construction. His administration has introduced a new approach to governance, ushering in a paradigm shift that has drawn the attention of Nigerians and the global community.
“His administration has completed more than 130 road networks across the 27 local governments. These included but not limited to Owerri–Orlu Road; Owerri–Okigwe Road; Owerri–Mbaise–Obowo—Umuahia Road; Mgbidi–Oguta Road; Orlu–Mgbee–Akokwa Uga Road, and the Naze–Ihiagwa, Obinze—Nekede corridors linking the Federal University of Technology, Owerri and the Federal Polytechnic, Nekede.”
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Iwu noted that Uzodimma has consistently described quality and durable roads as pillar of his Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, and Recovery Agenda and shared prosperity vision: “One aspect of the administration that has not received adequate attention is its effort to reduce the financial burden on future governments through the execution of standard infrastructure project:
“Road construction requires huge financial investment and should not be treated as a short-term intervention because of its importance to economic and social development. Asphalt roads typically last between 10 and 20 years, while concrete roads have a life-span of between 20 and 40 years. Roads are considered critical infrastructure because of the volume of human traffic, goods, and services that pass-through roads. Past governments have never given attention to this strategic consideration. “Unfortunately, the people of Imo State have witnessed roads and public buildings collapsing within three to six months after construction. Repeated rehabilitation of poorly executed projects has imposed unnecessary financial burdens on successive governments and diverted resources from critical sectors such as human capital development.
“Unequivocally, I am saying that Governor Uzodimma has saved high financial costs for subsequent governments in the next 40 years because of his commitment to constructing roads to standard specifications.” He cited the International Conference Centre in Owerri as an example of infrastructure that reflected the governor’s commitment to prudent management of public resources: “The demolition of unsafe structures and the construction of solid public buildings across the state clearly demonstrate a government determined to save future administrations from avoidable financial losses.”
The don also lauded Uzodimma’s role in national politics: “The South East needs strategic representation at the national level. I was happy when he expressed his intention to return to the Upper Chamber (National Assembly) in Abuja, where the resources are allocated through strategic debates.”
Iwu added that Uzodimma deserves support beyond the Orlu sensational district: “Senator Uzodimma should be supported not only in the Orlu Senatorial District but across the South East. Governance is a science and does not thrive on rhetoric.
