The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has announced that a section of the ongoing road project in Enugu will be opened for public use before the end of March.
Umahi made this known on Monday while inspecting the stretch of the road, expressing satisfaction with the quality of work done so far.
According to him, the section will be made accessible to motorists even if final touches such as road markings and median kerbs are yet to be completed.
“We have directed the contractor to ensure that the section is ready for use within this period as part of efforts to provide immediate relief to road users,” he said.
He added that the project is not only aimed at easing current traffic challenges but also ensuring long-term durability, noting that the road is a key route in the South-East region.
The minister highlighted that roads in the zone have long suffered from traffic congestion, accidents, and poor pavement conditions. He expressed optimism that the ongoing reconstruction will permanently address these issues.
Umahi also referenced the commitment of Bola Tinubu to infrastructure development in the region, despite the significant financial burden inherited by the current administration.
He revealed that as of May 2023, the government inherited road project liabilities estimated at over ₦13 trillion across more than 2,000 projects nationwide.
While acknowledging that delayed payments have slowed down contractors’ progress, Umahi assured that work would speed up once funds are released.
“You cannot expect optimal performance when contractors are unpaid, but we appreciate their patience and continued trust in government,” he said.
The minister also commended Peter Mbah for supporting the project, particularly in paying compensation to those affected by the flyover construction at Abakpa Junction along the Enugu–Abakaliki highway.
He noted that the state government also assisted in relocating essential infrastructure, including high-tension power lines and water pipelines, to ensure smooth execution of the project.
Speaking on the progress, the resident engineer for the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway project, Lawrence Ubi, confirmed that the 15-kilometer section is about 95 percent complete.
“The work is structurally sound and meets all engineering standards. It will be ready for use within the agreed timeline,” he said, appreciating the support from the federal government.