Politics
GOV. Hope Uzodimma of Imo on Tuesday launched the 46km Owerri-Mbaise-Umuahia, and 22.1km Orlu-Mgbee-Akokwa-Uga federal roads for reconstruction.
The two projects were awarded to Craneburg, which handled the Owerri-Orlu and Owerri-Okigwe Roads, now ready for inauguration.
The ceremonies were separately held at the Old Fire Service Roundabout, Orlu and Afor Enyiogugu on the Owerri-Mbaise-Umuahia Road, respectively.
In a speech, the governor said that the projects would facilitate social integration among communities and also stimulate economic growth.
He appealed to the people to co-operate with the construction company and discourage youths from constituting nuisance or hindrance to the contractors.
He said that oil companies in the state would fund the projects with tax credit granted to them by the Federal Government, subject to President Muhammadu Buhari’s approval.
However, Uzodimma said that the initial take off fund would be provided by his administration but would be refunded by the presidency.
He promised to deploy the limited resources and materials in the state to efficiently address infrastructure deficit and social services without any wastage.
According to him, I promised Imo citizens to deliver world class roads to help alleviate their sufferings.
“The construction, dualisation and illumination of these roads identified as economically viable ones are a fulfilment of the promise,” Uzodimma said.
He appealed to political leaders to partner the government in developing the state.
He said the Owerri-Mbaise-Umuahia Road would be done in two phases – one from Fire Service and the second from Mbaise to Abia boundary with Imo – to ensure that quality was not compromised.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Works, Mr Ralph Nwosu, said that work on the Owerri-Orlu and Owerri-Okigwe Roads, which began about 18 months ago, was its completion stage.
Nwosu further said that when completed, the Orlu-Mgbee-Akokwa Uga and Owerri-Mbaise-Umuahia Roads would reduce the time hitherto spent to get to the state capital to about 20 minutes.
A representative of Craneburg, who identified himself simply as Gilbert, commended Uzodimma for his determination to ensure quality road network in the state.
He appealed for cooperation from the people and safety of the workers for the duration of the project.
Gilbert also promised to deliver quality job and in record time.
Community leaders from Orlu, Owerri and Mbaise, including Rep. Nnanna Igbokwe, were present at the event.
They thanked the governor for his determination in tackling infrastructure deficit in the state. (NAN)
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Tags: Gov. Hope Uzodimma Muhammadu Buhari Nnanna Igbokwe
