Nkechinyere Ewa-Okpara
There was Jubilation in Agbaja community, Izzi local government area of Ebonyi State Monday when the state governor, Francis Nwifuru flagged off the dualization of 39.5km Hilltop/Offerekpe/Ovudechi/Agbaja road.
The road links the newly established University of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Oferekpe Agbaja, Izzi local government area of the state and the iziogo market, one of the biggest markets in the izzi clan.
There have been frequent accidents on the road which links about five communities in the local government with many lives lost
Represented by Engr Labechi Mbam, the state Commissioner for Works, Governor Nwifuru, during the flag of the project, said the dualization would be completed within 18 months.
He noted that the dualization would end frequent crashes on the road and create a satellite town in the area.
Nwifuru further explained that the project was divided into two sections and awarded to two construction companies because of its volume: one foreign company and an Indigenous contractor.
“The importance of this road in the development of our dear state cannot be overemphasized because since I have been passing through this road, I have witnessed three accidents.
” Accidents have always occurred on this road and a new university has been established on this road. So, you can imagine how busy this road will be.
“This road also leads to some of the biggest markets in the state; Izogo and Ovudechi markets. People from the south-east and other parts of the country come to these markets to buy Ebonyi agricultural products, including rice, yam, garri, palm oil and other products”, he said.
Chairman of Izzi local government, Stephen Nwankpa recalled that many deaths have occurred on the Hilltop axis of the road road because of its compact nature and commended the Governor for his decision to dualize the road.
Boniface Ezegu, a stakeholder from Ezza-Inyimegu in the local government, thanked the Governor for the project.
“We are with you because you know the needs of the people, we will continue to pray and support you. We are happy with the development you are bringing both infrastructure and economic development.
The new road will make the community become a satellite town. Please build a bridge to link our people to Abuja road and not for our people to be going to Abuja through Enugu, whereas is in our backyard. Please, include it in the next fiscal year budget. Ohia Izzi is happy with the state government” he said.
Some traders, including Mrs Okemini Mercy and Ofim Chikaodili, thanked Governor Nwifuru for expanding government projects to the rural communities and not concentrating on the already developed urban.
They assured him of their continued support until 2031.