By Oscar Igwe Obasi
Infrastructure remains a major component for the development of any sector of the economy and by extension the country at large. Availability and maintenance of some physical infrastructure such as roads, bridges, drainage etc have however been a recurring challenge in the Nigerian developmental equation for so many years. The durability, longevityand usability of these infrastructure especially with respect to roads are of major concern to all and sundry. The South Eastern Nigeria has a checkered and telling experience in this direction. However, there was a transformational drift in direction in a certain state in South Eastern Nigeria as Engr. David Nweze Umahi, current Minister of Works and Former Governor of Ebonyi State came into the mix. As Governor of Ebonyi State for 8 years, this enigmatic engineer, remodeled, restructured and re-defined road infrastructure in a manner that heralded a new ideological approach.
He, via a cement-technology or concrete pavement construction of roads, transformed Ebonyi State and gave it a name beyond its shores and borders. Ebonyi State became a reference point and shining example of not only transformational development but also of a rare construction and engineering ingenuity and prowess
Umahi silently rose from a construction engineer to afull-fledged politician but he did not leave his tools in the engineering workshop. He came along with them all. Having held out as the then state Chairman of PDP, Deputy Governor and eventually as a Governor, this ebullient workman had his teeth well cut out for the job. In addition to this, is the undeniable fact that he is uniquely strong-willed to change the nagging narrative. Never shy to take the next tailor-made step, Umahi by what he achieved in Ebonyi State as a Governor, wittingly and unwittingly wrote his name in gold and etched a niche for himself in the annals of history of Ebonyi State and Nigeria in general. Little wonder he was appointed the Minister of Works to replicate the magic across the country.
The architectural and engineering wonder of the Iyere Bridge in Afikpo South L.G.A. of Ebonyi State stuns every passerby and road-user alike. The bridge which some writers have described as the “magic of the mind” is unarguably the tallest bridge by any state government in South East and possibly in the entire country. Any sane mortal that passed through this bridge will be compelled by his/her conscience to stop and solemnly salute Engr. David Nweze Umahi, for mustering the will and the sacrifice to do this. That’s just one of many breath-taking projects executed by Umahi as a Governor. Not many leaders will have the strength of mind to even contemplate this awe-evoking structure in the first place. In a time and season when many governors will largely settle for small projects that will not be too demanding financially, psychologically and otherwise, Umahi decided to sing a different song. That bridge which remains a signature project anyday, is hugely audacious and most mind-rendering to say the least. It is also a re-definition of a people. Love him, hate him, Engr. David NwezeUmahi has opened and closed a chapter eternally in the history of road construction.
Politically, Umahi is not also one to wish away in a hurry because doing so is at one’s peril. He has sure-footedly navigated the murky waters of Nigerian politics and still holds sway as a strategist, undoing mainly booby traps on his way, from the political struggles in Ebonyi State and beyond. Sturdy, unrelenting and very pragmatic in nature, he comes around as a man specially “designed by the gods”.
Taking a look on the durability and longevity of the roads, majority of the concrete payment roads in Ebonyi State have weathered the storms and still standing. The roads are said to have a life span of 30-50 years. This is wonderful and will save the country a whole lot, hoping the rising cost of cement is controlled accordingly. Umahi equally constructed well over 13 flyover bridges across the length and breadth of Ebonyi State as a Governor. Now as the Minister of Works, Umahi has also hit the ground running. He is always with his harmer in his car to check the quality of the works going on and does not hesitate to wield the big rod if need be. Therefore, contractors are always on their toes. He is already battling it out with contractors (both foreign and indigenous) handling road projects in the country. A seasoned expert who has done it by doing it himself does not need to be tutored. He cannot be pranked in the job he has been doing all his life. The hope is that he willbe given all the support and goodwill needed to put in his best in transforming road infrastructure in Nigeria.
Working with the requisite personnel, whatever technology he believes is the best mix for the country should be encouraged. Our infrastructural development is germane to our progress as a country. Thankfully, he appears to have the “ears” of the President which is critical for the job in his hands.
The truth is that variables like Engr. David NwezeUmahi, do not come in their numbers in every generation. Beyond sheer politics, his ingenuity has to be maximized in this special assignment. The country direly needs to fast-track the enhancement of road infrastructure for the good of all.
• Dr. Obasi is Associate Professor, Department of Agricultural Economics, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State