Enugu State government has flagged off N2.1 billion rural development projects in all the 17 local councils. The exercise took place simultaneously at the various project sites across the state with government officials performing the functions.
The state Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi said his administration was mindful of the importance of rural development in socio-economic advancement.
The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Mrs. Cecelia Ezeilo said such projects would get to all communities in the state.
He said that the government did not influence the choice of projects, adding that the various council areas were asked to agree on the projects to be executed in their areas.
He also charged the contractors to execute the jobs professionally and on schedule.
“Our government recognises the importance of rural development and when you provide good roads and light to the people it naturally ushers in development,” Ugwuanyi said.
The Commissioner for Works, Patrick Ikpenwa said about 166 contractors bade for the projects. He said that 134 of the contractors were qualified but the state government only selected 35 to execute the first phase of the jobs.
He noted that over 35 new projects including roads, buildings, boreholes and electricity were being executed in the first phase, which he said would cost N2.1 billion.
The commissioner said the projects were scheduled to be completed in December 2016, adding that the phase two would be launched in 2017.
