By Nkechinyere Ewa
Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has expressed satisfaction with the pace of work on the ongoing Abakaliki flyover project, describing it as one of the strategic infrastructure initiatives aimed at boosting economic activities and easing traffic congestion in Ebonyi State.
Speaking during an inspection of federal road projects in the state alongside the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, and other members of the renewed hope as well as media heads from different media houses, Umahi explained that the flyover is situated at a critical intersection linking the Abakaliki axis with the Calabar–Ebonyi–Benue corridor.
According to him, the project forms part of the Trans-Saharan Highway network and will facilitate movement between Ebonyi and neighboring states through communities including Nkomoro, Agba, Ukwuachi, Ishieke, and Mbeke-Ishieke.
The Acting Federal Controller of Works in Ebonyi State, Maxwell Okonkwo, disclosed that the project consists of a 90-metre flyover and 2.2 kilometres of adjoining roads designed to decongest traffic and improve transportation of agricultural produce and mineral resources from the state to other parts of the country.
He noted that Ebonyi, being a major producer of rice and other agricultural commodities, would greatly benefit from the improved road infrastructure.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of AgeLink Nigeria Limited, the contractor handling the project, Mr.
Enekwachi Akpa, revealed that the flyover was awarded in May last year at a cost of N25 billion.
He said despite not receiving mobilisation funds, the company had continued work on the project out of commitment to the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu and the encouragement of the Minister of Works.
“We have not collected a kobo as mobilisation for this project, yet we have made significant progress. Imagine what will happen when payment is made. This project will be completed and will have a tremendous impact on the people of this area,” he said.
Addressing journalists after the inspection, Umahi stressed the importance of the flyover in resolving traffic conflicts at the junction leading to Abakaliki metropolis and the ongoing Calabar–Benue route.
He assured contractors handling federal projects across the country that the Federal Government remained committed to honouring its obligations and urged them not to slow down work.
“We are credit-worthy. Continue with your work because we intend to commission this flyover by December. It is a very important project and we are determined to see it completed,” the minister stated.
Umahi further highlighted several ongoing federal projects in Ebonyi State, including the 153.5-kilometre section of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway corridor valued at about N444 billion, a N196 billion road project connecting communities within the state, the N5 billion beach project, and the Enugu-Abakaliki road project valued at N183 billion.
The minister said the scale of federal investments currently being executed in Ebonyi was unprecedented, noting that during his years as state party chairman, deputy governor and governor, he did not witness such levels of federal presence in the state.
“In the past, Ebonyi hardly had federal projects. Today, the story has changed completely. We have every reason to appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the attention being given to the Southeast and particularly Ebonyi State,” Umahi said.
He maintained that the ongoing projects would accelerate economic development, improve connectivity and contribute significantly to the region’s integration into the national economy.
The minister future lead the team to Ndibe-beach bridge and other federal projects in the state.