N’Assembly to Meet Umahi, MTN Over Enugu-Onitsha Expressway Rehabilitation

On Wednesday, January 29, members of both the Senate and House of Representatives will hold an interactive meeting with Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, and representatives from the multinational telecommunications company, MTN Group Limited, to discuss the rehabilitation of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway.

This comes in the wake of a tragic incident on January 25, when a PMS-laden truck collided with vehicles on the road, resulting in a fire and several casualties.

The rehabilitation of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway is being funded through MTN’s tax credit scheme, and the project has been ongoing for over 15 years, with the road claiming countless lives over the years due to its poor condition.

Federal lawmakers from Anambra and Enugu States, led by Senate Minority Whip Senator Osita Ngwu, sent a letter to the Minister of Works to notify him of the upcoming meeting. The letter, co-signed by Senator Ngwu, Senator Victor Umeh, Hon. Paschal Agbodike, and Hon. Sam Atu, commended Senator Umahi for his efforts in transforming the nation’s infrastructure. However, the lawmakers expressed concerns over delays in the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway rehabilitation and the ongoing risks posed to motorists.

The lawmakers’ letter stated: “We wish to express our profound appreciation for the remarkable strides your ministry has made in transforming the nation’s infrastructure landscape. The unprecedented scale of road construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance across the country is a testament to your leadership and commitment to delivering on the government’s promises. As members of the Anambra and Enugu Caucus of the National Assembly, we are particularly grateful for the attention given to the South-East region, and we acknowledge the efforts being made to address the region’s infrastructure deficits.”

The letter continued: “However, we would like to bring to your attention the ongoing rehabilitation of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, funded by MTN through the tax credit scheme. As you may be aware, the project has been plagued by delays, resulting in incessant accidents and loss of lives, including the recent fuel tanker incident along the Ugwuonyeama (Enugu End) Expressway that claimed several lives. We believe a discussion with your office would be beneficial in addressing our constituents’ concerns and finding solutions to the project’s problems. We would like to explore ways to expedite the commencement of work on the second lane and the completion of the entire project, ensuring its timely delivery.”

The lawmakers are hoping to address these ongoing challenges and ensure that the project is completed as soon as possible for the safety and well-being of the people in the region.