Government to Address Infrastructure Challenges Amid Hefty Debt
Labor Minister David Umahi has announced that President Bola Tinubu has inherited over ₦13 trillion in debt along with more than 268 ongoing road projects as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to revamp critical infrastructure across Nigeria. This initiative aims to alleviate persistent transportation challenges throughout the nation.
Inspection of Ongoing Projects in the South-East
Umahi made this disclosure while inspecting various infrastructural projects in the South-East, including the Abakpa Junction flyover, Eke-Obinag flyover in Enugu, and the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway. He emphasized that the previous poor road conditions had made it nearly impossible for drivers to travel for even an hour without facing significant issues.
Progress Under the Current Administration
According to the minister, the situation is steadily improving, with large-scale road construction and rehabilitation initiatives now underway. “We inherited a terrible debt of over ₦13 trillion and over 268 projects as of May 2023. It was nearly impossible to drive for an hour without encountering bad roads, but the actions of the President are changing that,” he remarked.
Focus on Road Connectivity
Umahi expressed optimism that complaints from citizens would markedly decrease as the government continues its interventions. He acknowledged that while not all projects can be completed immediately, the administration remains dedicated and focused on its objectives. The ministry is fully committed to the President’s directive to ensure extensive road connectivity across the nation through the construction of durable roads and bridges.
Immediate Measures for Transportation Relief
To further ease transportation issues, Umahi has mandated the reopening of 15 kilometers of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway by the end of this month. This immediate measure is intended to relieve road users and stimulate economic activity in the South-East, as construction on the corridor reaches an advanced stage.
Significance of Key Routes
The Enugu-Onitsha and Enugu-Port Harcourt routes serve as major economic arteries that have long suffered from traffic congestion, tanker-related accidents, and poor pavement conditions. However, Umahi expressed confidence that the ongoing reconstruction efforts would finally resolve these long-standing challenges.
Collaboration with Local Authorities
He praised Enugu State Governor Peter Mba for supporting federal projects, particularly the Abakpa flyover. The state government has played a crucial role in facilitating compensation payments and the relocation of essential public infrastructure, including high-voltage power lines and water pipelines. The project contractor, Mr. Chimaro Ezeugo, reported that piling work for the Abakpa viaduct is in progress, with 15 out of the 40 necessary piles completed. Spanning approximately 800 meters, this project is expected to be finalized within a year.
Anticipated Benefits of the Ongoing Projects
Ezuugo also noted that the flyover will connect key routes within the Enugu-Abakpa axis, significantly improving traffic flow in densely populated areas such as Trans Ekuru and the Government Reserves. Additionally, Mr. Lawrence Ubi, the resident engineer for the Enugu-Onitsha project, confirmed that the 15-kilometer stretch set to be restarted is nearly 95% complete and structurally sound, marking a significant step forward for the region’s infrastructure.
