By Baron Ike
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State on Wednesday took another bold step on infrastructural renewal when he signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Julius Berger Nigeria Plc on the reconstruction of road projects in the state.
Specifically, the pact will see Julius Berger repair the Owerri to Orlu and Owerri to Okigwe roads which have been in a state of disrepair for many years.
At the signing at the Sam Mbakwe Exco Chambers, Government House, Owerri, Governor Uzodimma described the event as a special day in the life of Imo State, according to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary/Media Adviser to the Governor, Oguwike Nwachuku
He said the two roads are major gateways to neighbouring States hence the road infrastructure linking Imo State to her neighbours will help improve the economy of the State when completed.
He said that the choice of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc is predicated on the company’s track records of quality and value for money which is very important to Imo people.
Governor Uzodimma reassured Imo people that, with what is known of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, the projects would be delivered within a record time and “this will surely be a partnership that will sustain the test of time.”
The Governor appealed to Imo people, especially communities on the right of ways of the projects to give the company maximum cooperation and needed support to enable them deliver the projects on time.
Earlier, the South East Regional Manager of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Juergen Fischer, expressed appreciation to the Government of Imo State for the invitation to sign the MOU.
He said that they had looked forward to participating in the infrastructural development of the state and assured that a good cooperation and partnership between the State and his company has started, promising to deliver the projects on time.
The Imo State Commissioner for Works, Barr. Ralph Nwosu signed the MOU on behalf of Government of Imo State while Fischer signed for Julius Berger Nigeria Plc.
The Deputy Governor of Imo State, Prof. Placid Njoku; Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmos Iwu; Chief of Staff, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie; and other members of the expanded State Executive Council attended the ceremony.