Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has flagged off the construction of over 70 kilometres of roads in the Enugu North Senatorial Zone to boost economic activities and improve connectivity across the area.

The Enugu North Senatorial Zone comprises Nsukka, Igbo-Eze South, Igbo-Eze North, Udenu, Uzo-Uwani, and Igbo-Etiti Local Government Areas.

Among the projects flagged off is the 52-kilometre Lejja–Aku–Ukehe–Egede–Afa–Akpakwume–Eke Road, which cuts across Nsukka, Igbo-Etiti, and Udi Local Government Areas.

Speaking during the flag-off ceremony on Saturday in Nsukka, Mr Mbah described the project as a critical step toward economic expansion, noting that road infrastructure remains a key enabler of development.

“This is symbolic because we are flagging off a road that is very critical — a road that runs from Lejja through Aku and Ukehe to Egede, Afa, Akpakwume and Eke,” he said.

“When we talk about growing our economy exponentially, we emphasise that it will be driven by the private sector and enabled by government. There is no better enabler than roads.

“We are building roads that connect communities and link people to opportunities.

“The stretch here is about 52 kilometres, but when combined with other roads from Umuachara to Barracks and from Mechanic Village, the total comes to about 70 kilometres.”

The governor stressed that his administration remains committed to delivering on its promises without politicising critical infrastructure projects.

“We are not a government given to posturing or empty promises. When we commit to something, we deliver.

“These roads are for the benefit of Ndi Nsukka, the entire northern zone, and Enugu State at large,” he added.

Addressing journalists, the chairman of Nsukka Local Government Area, Jude Asogwa, expressed appreciation to the governor, describing the projects as transformative.

He disclosed that the project would significantly enhance connectivity within the council area.

According to him, several other roads are ongoing within Nsukka town, including the New Anglican–Ogrute Road, roads in Mechanic Village and Enyiuchi, as well as routes linking neighbouring states such as Anambra and Kogi.

Mr Asogwa said the current administration has invested over N20 billion in infrastructure in Nsukka Local Government within 48 months, describing it as unprecedented.

He added that the road projects would stimulate economic growth, ease transportation, and strengthen inter-community relationships.

The chairman of Nsukka Local Government Traditional Rulers Council, HRM Tony Ezema, also commended the initiative, describing it as historic.

He noted that some of the roads had been in deplorable condition for decades, particularly during the rainy season, posing serious challenges to commuters.

“This road has been one of the worst in Nsukka. During the rainy season, it becomes almost impassable. I even had an accident on this road once,” he said.

Mr Ezema added that the reconstruction would greatly improve access to key institutions, including a Federal Government College and several farming settlements in the area.

He expressed optimism that the project would enhance both economic and social activities across the zone. 

(NAN)