In a big step for infrastructure development, the Enugu State Government has approved several projects. These projects cover roads, tourism, housing, and administrative infrastructure across the state.
The government made this decision during the State Executive Council meeting over the weekend.
While speaking to reporters, the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Malachy Agbo; the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Ugochi Madueke; the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Ben Osy Okoh; the Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialisation, Patrick Ubru; the Commissioner for Education, Prof Ndubueze Mbah; and the Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu stated that these approvals are part of the plan to grow the state’s economy from $4 billion to $30 billion in eight years.
The Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure shared that the SEC approved the completion and upgrade of Wings C and D of the Enugu State Secretariat Complex in GRA, Enugu. They will also carry out extensive repairs on Wings A and B, which are already being used.
“Recall that the A and B wings of the State Secretariat Complex were completed and commissioned in May 2015. Since then, the C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, D1 and D2 wings have remained uncompleted and are currently in a deplorable state.
“It is going to be a total transformation and remodeling of the Secretariat with modern facilities. We also looked at the challenges we are experiencing at Wings A and B to correct them in Wings C and D.
“Further to that, the Exco also approved the commencement of repairs on Wings A and B of the Secretariat to address all the challenges that the building is facing.”
After the completion of the 6.5km dual carriageway for the first phase of New Enugu City development, the state government approved the construction of 1,000 fully detached terrace housing units. These will include four- and five-bedroom units.
“In addition to the 1,000 housing units, the state government is also developing 18,000 mass housing units at Gateway Estate in Enugu to further address the housing deficit and housing costs in the state.
“It is a comprehensive housing development, including the road infrastructure and services such as water and electricity, among others,” Engr. Okoh said.
He also informed newsmen that the SEC approved the immediate start of a 10.5km Igogoro-Amachara-Ikpamodo-Okpo-Amaada road project.
He said the administration also approved work on flash flood points on the major road in Nsukka and the construction of five adjoining streets to quickly tackle flooding in parts of Nsukka.
“This also includes a comprehensive repair of all the damaged drainage systems and the evacuation of all blocked drainage systems on the major road to resolve the problem. This project has been given to a reputable company to handle,” he added.
The Exco also approved the purchase of over 30 pieces of light equipment for the Ministry of Works for direct labour projects, intervention and maintenance works.
“It will go a long way in reducing the cost of interventions,” he concluded.
In another briefing, Mrs Madueke announced that the Council approved three major tourism projects. These include the Ovu Lake Golf Resort at Akpawfu in Nkanu East Local Government Area, the Akwuke and Attakwu Tourism Development Projects in Enugu South and Nkanu West Local Government Areas, and the Okpatu, Awhum Cable Car Project.
According to the Commissioner, the Ovu Lake Golf Resort will have an 18-hole championship golf course, a luxury hotel with over 100 rooms, a 600-seat conference centre, boat regatta, beautifully landscaped gardens, club houses, children’s playgrounds, lawn tennis and basketball courts, and other world-class recreational facilities.
On the Attakwu Tourism Project, Mrs Madueke explained that the area has a natural lake and a pristine virgin forest. They will develop it into a major ecotourism spot with an animal sanctuary and other nature-based attractions.
She added that the Akwuke Tourism Project will turn the area into a top leisure destination with a modern sand beach, theme park, water park, scenic boardwalk, and a recreational park for families and visitors of all ages.
The Commissioner also shared that the Executive Council approved the Okpatu, Awhum Cable Car development, calling it one of the administration’s flagship tourism projects.
“The cable car will start from Okpatu Hill, home to the iconic Cross of Hope, and will cross approximately 5.32 kilometres to the Awhum Waterfall,” she said.
She explained that the cable car system will have three stations: the start point at the Cross of Hope on Okpatu Hill, an intermediate station at the Awhum Monastery, and the final station at the Awhum Waterfall. Visitors will enjoy attractions like the Rotunda, Experience Centre, and Food Court.
“Instead of climbing the hills on foot, visitors will enjoy a safe, scenic, and comfortable cable car ride from the Cross of Hope directly to the Awhum Waterfall, creating a truly unforgettable tourism experience,” Mrs Madueke added.
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