Former member of the Federal House of Representatives, Sam Onuigbo, has called for a speedy completion of the ongoing reconstruction of the Umuahia-Ikwuano-Ikot Ekpene Federal Road.
Onuigbo, who’s the chairman of the Security, Climate Change, and Special Interventions Committee of the North East Development Commission, made the call today in a Press briefing after a Stakeholders meeting in Umuahia aimed at addressing the historical and developmental challenges yearning for attention in the Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency
Onuigbo said the current great job being done on some sections of the road could be hastened by adding more pressure through strategic visits and lobbying by all stakeholders
He recalled the journey that led to the commencement of the rehabilitation work and the eventual handover of the project to a different financier to his motion moved on the floor of the Green Chambers in May 2016 and expressed concern why the project is yet to be fully realised after so many interventions by the Federal Government
“Though the target of the total reconstruction of the 51-kilometre road is yet to be fully achieved, the current rehabilitation work along the road is traceable to the funds released by the NNPCL.
“The proposal to return the project to normal annual ministry funding will not only derail the achievements made so far but also lead to unpleasant consequences that could lead to more suffering by motorists and commuters.
“The current great job being done could be hastened by adding more pressure through strategic visits and lobbying by all stakeholders to see that our people smile and enjoy enhanced services on this road, which became a nightmare as a result of decades of neglect,” he said.
While commending President Tinubu for approving the commencement of the construction of a Federal Secretariat at Ekeoba in Ohuhu and his push for the completion of the Achingalli-Udo-na-Obizi-Umunwanwa-Ubakala Federal Road, he appealed to the Minister of works to ensure the proper award of the 16 Kilometres Umuahia-Umudike Dualization Road Project, which has a provision for an Interchange
Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the occasion and Chief Medical Director of FMC Umuahia, Prof. Onyebuchi Azubuike, while highlighting the economic importance of the road, appealed to the Federal Government to prioritize the continuous funding of the road through the NNPC tax credit to ensure the free flow of funds for the speedy reconstruction and realization of the project
THE WHISTLER reports that the Traditional Ruler of Amawom Oboro Eze Chukwubuike Ironsi, his Ndume Ibeku counterpart, Eze Donatus Aguiyi, and other stakeholders were present at the meeting.