Ebonyi Elders Hail Nwifuru’s Infrastructure Drive, Urge Contractors to Meet Deadlines

By Uchenna Okeh, Abakaliki

The Ebonyi State Council of Elders has applauded Governor Francis Nwifuru over the quality and pace of ongoing infrastructure projects across the state, describing the developments as evidence of the administration’s commitment to sustainable growth and economic transformation.

The Council, however, charged contractors handling the projects to expedite work while ensuring strict compliance with approved engineering standards and contractual specifications.

Speaking after an inspection tour of major government projects on Friday, the Chairman of the Council, Chief Ben Okah, said members were satisfied with the level of completion and quality of work on the projects visited.

The projects inspected included the ultra-modern VANCO Flyover and Tunnel in Abakaliki, the Nwezenyi Flyover along the Trans-Saharan Way in Izzi Local Government Area, 

The Aeronautics and Aerospace Engineering University in Onueke, the Senator Chris Nwankwo Housing Estate at Chiboy Nkwegu and the Ebonyi International Trade Centre at Presco Junction, Abakaliki.

Okah described Governor Nwifuru as a visionary leader whose investment in critical infrastructure would stimulate economic activities, improve transportation, create jobs and enhance the overall standard of living of the people.

“The projects are massive, impressive and economically significant. They will undoubtedly accelerate the development of Ebonyi State and strengthen its position as an emerging investment destination,” he said.

He urged contractors to maintain quality while completing the projects within the agreed timelines, noting that timely delivery would enable residents to begin enjoying the benefits of the investments.

The Council Chairman also called on the people of Ebonyi State to continue supporting the present administration, saying Governor Nwifuru had demonstrated unwavering commitment to the welfare of the people through impactful development projects.

During the inspection, the Commissioner for Works, Mr. Lebechi Mbam, and the Commissioner for Infrastructure and Concession, Mr. Ogbonnaya Abara, briefed members of the Council on the progress of the projects and their expected economic impact.

They said the infrastructure would improve transportation, boost commerce, enhance the state’s physical outlook and attract local and foreign investments.

Addressing concerns over the pace of work on the VANCO Flyover and Tunnel, Mbam dismissed allegations of delays, insisting that construction was progressing according to approved engineering specifications and established procedures.

He appealed to residents to remain patient, assuring them that the completed project would not only ease traffic congestion but also serve as one of the most iconic engineering landmarks in the South-East.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Project Monitoring, Chief Sunday Inyima, said the government deliberately awarded many of the contracts to indigenous firms as part of its policy to empower local contractors and deepen economic participation.

He urged the contractors to justify the confidence reposed in them by delivering high-quality projects within the stipulated completion period.

Members of the Council expressed optimism that the projects would significantly contribute to the socio-economic development of Ebonyi State.

They noted that the inspection exercise would continue as part of efforts to monitor the implementation of critical government projects across the state