Enugu govt approves N2b to reconstruct Milliken Hill

By The Citizen

Following the recurrent road crashed on the Milliken Hill-Ninth Mile road, the Enugu State Government has approved N2 billion for its reconstruction.

The road was a major gateway to Enugu before a bypass was constructed but remains a tourism site.

Briefing journalists on the outcome of the states' executive council meeting in Enugu on Friday, the Commissioner for Information, Mr Chuks Ugwoke,said the reconstruction would take care of the gully erosion threatening to cut off some communities in the area.

He noted that the contract awarded to CGC Nig. Ltd was expected to last for 18 months.

“The New Market-Milliken Hill-Ngwo-Ninth Mile Corner road has been in a deplorable state. Most sections of the road are threatened by gully erosion which may cut off the road and disconnect access to many communities.

“It is a very strategic road used as a tourism site. The contract has been awarded to CGC Nig. Ltd at the sum of N2.4 billion,'' he said.

Ugwoke said the council also approved another contract more than N1 billion to Greyline International Ltd for the construction of the 19.5-kilometre Ikedimkpa Affa-Amofia Agu-Oghu road.

He said the construction was to ensure the road remained in good condition at all seasons.

The commissioner said the government also approved the marking of 17 major roads in the state capital at the sum of N315 million.

He listed the roads to include Agbani Road, Edozie-Kenyatta, Nnamdi Azikiwe Avenue, JimNwobodo Avenue, Amechi Road, Savage Crescent and Agric Bank-Ozubulu-PortHarcourt express road.

The commissioner said the council also approved the payment of N412 million to the Universal Basic Education Board (UBEC) to access its 2013 statutory allocation of UBE matching grant.

He said the UBE grant would promote the quality of education and reduce the number of out of school children in the state.

Meanwhile, the state government has approved the programme of its 2013 cultural and tourism fiesta holding in December, according to Ugwoke.

He said the 11- day festival would comprise symposium, art exhibition, cultural display, masquerade night and fashion show.

He listed other events to include praise night, children's party and road block musical jamboree featuring artistes and the Werraso Band from the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The commissioner said the ministry of culture and tourism would partner with corporate bodies to ensure the success of the event.

Ugwoke urged the private sector to partner with the government in promoting the cultural potential of the state.

According to him, last year's event was a huge success and this year's edition promised to be even better.