ALGON Chairman Defends Nwifuru’s Projects, Dismisses Claims of Substandard Infrastructure

By Uchenna Okeh Abakaliki 

The Chairman of Ebonyi Local Government Area and Ebonyi State Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Chinedu Uburu, has defended the quality of infrastructure projects being executed by Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, dismissing allegations that some ongoing projects in the state are substandard.

Uburu spoke on Wednesday during an inspection of the ongoing construction of the Ogbogbo–Ekebeligwe Ishieke Bridge in Ebonyi Local Government Area, where he expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work, insisting that the projects conform to approved engineering standards.

He commended Governor Nwifuru for what he described as unprecedented infrastructure development across the council area, noting that the administration had embarked on several landmark projects, including roads, bridges, rural infrastructure and human capital development initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of residents.

“We are here to sincerely thank His Excellency, Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, for the numerous projects he is executing in Ebonyi Local Government Area. From roads to bridges and other infrastructure, the governor has demonstrated commitment to the welfare of our people,” Uburu said.

The council chairman listed some of the completed and ongoing projects to include the Nwogbaga Alo Road from the stadium area to Randa, the extension of the road network from Randa to Otam, Nwofe and Egwudinagu, as well as the completion of the Ekebeligwe-Ishieke Road initiated by former Governor and current Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi.

According to him, the state government is also constructing major bridges at Oji Nwogbaga Alo, Ogbogbo-Egwudinagu Ishieke and Ogbogbo-Ekebeligwe, describing the projects as critical interventions that would improve connectivity and accelerate socio-economic development across the local government area.

Reacting to claims that the Ogbogbo Bridge project was poorly executed, Uburu said the allegations were misleading, explaining that engineers handling the project had clarified that the visible crack was observed only on a temporary formwork and not on any structural component of the bridge.

“His Excellency has never executed a substandard project for the people of Ebonyi Local Government. All his projects are standard and designed to stand the test of time,” he stated, adding that major engineering works should be assessed based on professional standards rather than public speculation.

The ALGON chairman further stressed that quality infrastructure requires patience and adherence to engineering procedures, noting that the durability of a project is more important than the speed of execution. 

He urged public commentators to seek expert opinions before making technical pronouncements capable of misleading the public.

“I am a lawyer by profession and not an engineer. If I need technical clarification, I consult professionals in that field. It is always important to rely on expert knowledge before making public statements,” he added.

Earlier, the Site Manager of the Ogbogbo-Ekebeligwe Bridge project, Engr. Samson Ogbonnaya Ezeali, assured residents that the bridge was being constructed in strict compliance with approved engineering specifications. 

He explained that Grade 40 concrete was being used for the bridge beams, while Grade 30 concrete was applied to the slab, in line with standard engineering practice.

Ezeali clarified that the crack observed on part of the structure affected only a temporary formwork and walkway used during construction and had no impact on the bridge’s structural integrity. 

He attributed the minor defect to the challenges of transporting heavy bridge components across difficult terrain and a stream but maintained that it posed no safety risk and could easily be rectified.

Residents, including Onyebuchi Ekpiri, Clement Nwanshi and Christian Nkwuda, welcomed the project, expressing optimism that its completion would improve transportation, stimulate economic activities and eliminate the hardship residents experience while crossing the area during the rainy season.