By Slyvester Mbam
The Chairman of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly Committee on Infrastructure, Hon. Prince Nkemka Okoro Onumah, has stated that the commendations and condemnations surrounding the 2km road projects in each of the 13 local government areas of the state are not driven by love or hatred but by the need to ensure quality and lasting infrastructure.
Speaking during an inspection tour, Hon. Onumah emphasized that projects executed according to specifications will stand the test of time, preventing wasteful spending on constant renovations and allowing funds to be redirected to other impactful government initiatives. He reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to realizing Governor Francis Nwifuru’s vision of awarding durable 2km roads across the state.
Co-chairman of the committee, Hon. Oluchukwu Ukie Ezeali, in charge of project monitoring and evaluation, stressed that the oversight visits were necessary to safeguard the state’s future. He noted that proper supervision ensures high-quality execution, benefiting both the government and the people.
During the inspection, lawmakers expressed mixed reactions to the projects visited. The committee commended Igwerigwe Global Services Limited for its work on the 2km Melina Ndumbam Okputimo Community road in Abakaliki, praising the completed 1.6km lane for its quality. Similar commendations were given to Azuegu Obvu Construction Nig Ltd for the Inyimegu Ezzaufu 2km road, Resnovous Consults for Amachara Agbaja road in Izzi, and Magmatic Rock Nigeria Ltd for the Okarie 2km road in Ebonyi Local Government Area.
However, the committee condemned the poor workmanship at the 2km Ehugbuwale Ndegu Okputimo Community road in Abakaliki, handled by Omega Golden MSL Nig Ltd. Lawmakers described the substandard 10-meter concrete pavement as a “death trap” and ordered the contractor to stop work immediately and redo the project to acceptable standards.
Similar concerns were raised at other sites, including Umuakpu Ngbo in Ohaukwu (handled by Pentecost Construction Company), Ezeobaji Izziunuhu community road in Abakaliki (handled by Capacity Ken Nigeria Ltd), and Ndiukabi Ndiogbu road (handled by Nick and Nicholas Company). The committee expressed disappointment over low-quality construction, warning contractors to meet expectations by ensuring proper earthwork, clearing, culvert completion, and pavement progress.
All committee members aligned with the chairmen on the need for accountability and better project execution, urging contractors to adopt improved delivery processes that will serve the long-term interest of the people.
In response, Prince Nwoba Igwebuike, Managing Director of Igwerigwe Global Services Ltd, assured that his project would be completed on schedule, adhering strictly to job specifications. He thanked the committee for recognizing the quality of his work and pledged continued excellence in future projects.