Collaboration Sparks Infrastructure Boom in South East: Umahi Applauds Regional Governors

Minister of Works, Senator David Nweze Umahi, has praised the strong collaboration between the South East state governments and the Federal Government, attributing the region’s recent infrastructure advancements to this partnership.

During an inspection of ongoing projects, including the reconstruction of the collapsed bridge at New Artisan Market near the NNPC Mega Filling Station in Enugu State, Umahi acknowledged the significant contributions of the South East governors in supporting President Bola Tinubu’s development agenda. Accompanied by Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, Umahi commended the governors’ dedication to enhancing road infrastructure, which he believes will drive the region’s economic growth.

“I want to commend you for the numerous jobs you are doing in Enugu State,” Umahi said. “The economy of your state is going to boom by the strategic and noiseless infrastructure that you are putting in place. By the time you complete this infrastructure, it’s going to be a lot of noise.”

Umahi also recognized the efforts of other South East governors, including those of Ebonyi, Imo, Abia, and Anambra States, for their active roles in regional development. His inspection tour included notable projects like the 23-span twin flyover bridge at Eke-Obinagu Junction, Emene, the collapsed bridge along the Enugu-PH Expressway at New Artisan Market, and the dualization of a 107 km section of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway.

Governor Mbah’s initiative to handle the dualization of the 24 km Enugu axis of the Enugu-Abakaliki-Ogoja Trans-Sahara Highway was highlighted as a significant contribution to closing the gap in federal road infrastructure efforts in the state. Umahi expressed the Federal Government’s readiness to collaborate with the Enugu State Government on constructing a flyover bridge at Abakpa junction to alleviate traffic congestion and boost business activities.

Umahi directed immediate soil tests and design planning for the flyover, anticipating that the state government will fund the project initially and later receive reimbursement through the MTN Tax Credit Scheme. He also praised the contractors for their high-quality work but urged RCC Ltd to expedite their efforts to ease the hardship faced by road users.

Commending President Tinubu’s focus on road infrastructure in the South East, Umahi emphasized the importance of faith in the federal government’s economic recovery programs, as outlined in the President’s national broadcast. “Only a businessman background will understand the importance of that address. The address is laden with a lot of hope, laden with a lot of economic activities and a lot of relief packages for our people.”

Governor Mbah, in his response, underscored the importance of cooperation between state and federal governments for the region’s development. He expressed deep gratitude to President Tinubu and Minister Umahi for their unwavering commitment to addressing the region’s infrastructure needs.

Mbah urged the people of the South East to support President Tinubu’s economic recovery policies and remain steadfast in their resolve to contribute to the nation’s progress.

This collaboration marks a significant step towards a more developed and economically vibrant South East, reflecting the power of unity and shared goals between different levels of government.