The Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, one of the major roads connecting the South-East region of Nigeria, has been temporarily opened to the public ahead of the Christmas season.
The road, which is undergoing rehabilitation by MTN Nigeria, a leading telecom company, was opened in partnership with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to reduce the traffic gridlock that usually plagues the route during festive periods.
According to Dr Reginald Facah, the Coordinator of MTN Community Liaison Initiative, the road was opened not because the project was completed, but because of the humanitarian need to alleviate the suffering of commuters and drivers on the road.
He said, “Today, we are gathered to temporarily open the partially completed sections of the Enugu-Onitsha Dual Carriage Way, not because the entire project is ready, but because December and Christmas have seen unimaginable suffering on the parts of commuters and drivers on this same road.
A Gateway to the Rest of the Country and Africa
The Enugu-Onitsha Expressway is not just a link between Enugu and Anambra states; it is also a gateway to the rest of the country and Africa. The road connects to other major highways such as the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, the Onitsha-Owerri Expressway, and the Onitsha-Asaba-Benin Expressway.
Based on a report by Punch, the road is also vital for the economic and social activities of the South-East region, which is known for its vibrant trade and commerce. The road serves as a conduit for the movement of goods and services between the region and other parts of the country and beyond.
The importance of the road was recognized by MTN Nigeria, which took up the challenge of rehabilitating the road under the road infrastructure tax credit scheme of the Federal Government. The scheme allows private companies to invest in public infrastructure and claim tax relief in return.
A Welcome Relief for Road Users
The temporary opening of the road was welcomed by the road users, who expressed their appreciation to MTN and FRSC for the gesture. They said the road would ease their travel stress and reduce the risk of road accidents.
The Sector Commander of FRSC in Anambra State, Mr Adeoye Irelewuyi, said the opening of the road would ease the traffic jam usually experienced at the Amawbia flyover and underpass, as well as reduce road traffic crashes on the stretch.
He appealed to the road users to exercise patience and obey the traffic rules and regulations, especially during the festive season. He also advised them to avoid overloading, speeding, drunk driving, and other dangerous practices that could endanger their lives and those of others.
He said, “At festive periods like this, this section of the road always experiences very serious traffic jam at the slightest obstruction to traffic flow, which usually causes a pile-up in both directions.
“It is therefore with great joy and relief that the Anambra State Command of the FRSC is marking this occasion of the temporary opening of this section.
A Step Towards a Sustainable Future
The rehabilitation of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway is not only a benefit for the present generation of road users, but also a step towards a sustainable future for the country.
The road project is expected to boost the economic and social development of the South-East region and the country at large, by facilitating the movement of people, goods, and services.
The road project is indeed a Christmas gift to the people of the South-East region and Nigerians in general, and a promise of a brighter and better tomorrow.
