Ebonyi: Nwifuru’s projects meet standard, ALGON chairman debunks substandard claims

The Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Ebonyi state and Executive Chairman of Ebonyi Local Government Area, Barrister Chinedu Augustin Uburu, has defended the quality of infrastructure projects being executed by Governor Francis Nwifuru.

They insisted that none of the projects in the council area was substandard.

Uburu stated this Wednesday during an inspection of the ongoing Ogbogbo–Ekebeligwe Ishieke Bridge, where he described allegations of poor workmanship on the project as misleading and unsupported by technical facts.

He said the Nwifuru administration had transformed Ebonyi local government through the execution of major roads and bridges, including the completion and extension of the Nwogbaga Alo Road

Others were the completion of the Ekebeligwe-Ishieke road initiated by former governor and Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, and the construction of major bridges across the council area.

“We are here to thank Governor Francis Nwifuru for the numerous projects he is executing in Ebonyi Local Government. His administration has brought quality infrastructure to our people, and every project is designed to stand the test of time,” Uburu said.

The ALGON chairman dismissed claims that the Ogbogbo-Ekebeligwe Bridge was substandard, explaining that the crack observed on part of the structure affected only a temporary formwork and walkway and had no bearing on the bridge’s structural integrity.

He urged public office holders to seek expert engineering advice before making technical comments on construction projects, noting that as a lawyer, he relied on professionals for technical opinions rather than speculation.

Uburu also stressed that quality should take precedence over speed in project delivery, saying major engineering works require adequate time to ensure durability and safety. “It is not how long, but how well,” he stated.

Earlier, the Site Manager of the project, Engineer Samson Ogbonnaya Ezeali, said the bridge was being built in line with approved engineering specifications.

He explaines that Grade 40 concrete was being used for the beams and Grade 30 for the deck slab, while the observed crack was on a non-load-bearing formwork that posed no threat to the bridge.

Some residents, including Onyebuchi Ekpiri, Clement Nwanshi and Christian Nkwuda, expressed optimism that the completion of the bridge would improve transportation, stimulate economic activities and end the perennial hardship experienced by commuters, particularly during the rainy season.