The statistics of roads built in Ebonyi State by Governor David Umahi in the last three and half years has been said to surpass those by the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government across the country.
The assessment was made by the Ebonyi State Commissioner for Works and Transport, Engr. Fidelis Nweze, on Thursday during a joint Ministerial Christmas homage on the Governor at his country home, Uburu in Ohaozara Local Government Area of the State.
Nweze, who stated that the total roads built by Buhari across the country represented only 5 per cent of those built by Umahi in Ebonyi State, added that the Governor’s total road distance for the period were almost equal to those built by former President Goodluck Jonathan for the six years of his administration.
He emphasized that the use of concrete pavement technology in road construction as pioneered by Governor Umahi has guaranteed both quality and cost effectiveness, thus marking Ebonyi State out as the current infrastructural hub of the South East.
According to Nweze, Umahi has constructed over 700km of roads in the last three and half years and has succeeded in shortening travelling times within the State to over 80 per cent irrespective of location.
He further commended Umahi for both his supervisory roles and participation in the construction works of the Ministry across the State, adding that his fatherly instructions has been responsible for the technological feats recorded by his ministry.
Responding, Umahi described the Ministry as a clear proof that Government bureaucracies can actually deliver effective output if challenged under enabling environment.
He commended the Commissioner for his doggedness, dedication and optimism, which he said he had effectively utilized in driving the infrastructural policies of the government, adding that the awards so far received by the Ministry were rewards for excellent performance.
Umahi, who acknowledged that most indigenous engineers both in the Ministry and elsewhere in the country, can compete favourably with some expatriates, added that his administration would continue to reward Commissioners and other government officials who distinguished themselves in service.
Recall that the Commissioner was among those that recently bagged a State Award for outstanding performance during the State Christmas dinner held last Saturday.
Other Ministries which joined in the homage were those of Environment led by its Commissioner, Donatus Njoku; Water Resources, led by Euphemia Nwali; Agriculture, led by Moses Ogodoali; as well as the State Civil Service Commission, led by its Chairman, Catherine Ogbu.
The Commissioners, on behalf of their Ministries, presented to the Governor gifts of cows, tubers of yam as well as assorted drinks.