Enugu launches N2.1 billion rural devt projects

Enugu State government at the weekend flagged off N2.1 billion rural development projects in all the 17 local councils.

The exercise took place simultaneously at the various project sites across the state with government officials performing the functions.

The state Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi who performed the ceremony at Udi local council said his administration was mindful of the importance of rural development in socio-economic advancement.

Ugwuanyi, who was represented by his deputy, Mrs. Cecelia Ezeilo said such projects would get to all communities in the state.

He said that the government did not influence the choice of projects, adding that the various council areas were asked to agree on the projects to be executed in their areas.

He charged the contractors to execute the jobs professionally and on schedule.

“Our government recognises the importance of rural development and when you provide good roads and light to the people it naturally ushers in development,” Ugwuanyi said.

At Aninri local council, the Commissioner for Works, Patrick Ikpenwa said about 166 contractors bided for the projects.

Ikpenwa said that 134 of the contractors were qualified but the state government only selected 35 to execute the first phase of the jobs.

He noted that over 35 new projects including roads, buildings, boreholes and electricity were being executed in the first phase, which he said would cost N2.1 billion.

“This is the first time in the history of the state that there are concerted efforts by government to involve the people in the process of project selection based on their immediate needs.

“Communities where these projects are sited are urged to own the projects, protect them and make sure government gets value for money spent on them,” he said.

The commissioner said the projects were scheduled to be completed in December 2016, adding that the phase two would be launched in 2017.

Ikpenwa said that resident engineers from his ministry would be deployed to project sites to monitor the contractors.

One of the contractors representing Finotech Construction Company, Mr. Tony Ikem said they would do their best to deliver the jobs on schedule.