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Contractors Down Tools Over Unpaid Fees, Residents Stranded in Swampy Streets

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4 months ago

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Residents of Emene, Enugu State, are grappling with severe mobility challenges after major internal road projects were abruptly abandoned by contractors over unpaid bills from Governor Peter Mbah’s administration.
Key streets, including Okoro Lane and Obiagu Street, have deteriorated into swampy, impassable stretches, forcing many residents to abandon their vehicles.
Locals say the situation worsened after contractors excavated the earth during construction preparations but failed to return, leaving deep ruts and stagnant water in their wake.
According to staff of one of the firms, the walkout was triggered by the government’s refusal to settle outstanding payments despite issuing certificates of completion.
One of the affected contractors, Chief Ikeje Asogwa, a former Chairman of the Enugu State Universal Basic Education (ENSUBE), is reported to have invested over ₦200 million of his personal funds into the road works.
His team insists they cannot resume without payment, citing the strain on payroll and operational costs.
“We have to pay salaries. In this economy, no one wants to be owed even for two days,” a staff member quoted Asogwa as saying. “If the governor pays us today, we’ll be back on site tomorrow.”
For residents, the situation has gone beyond inconvenience to become a public safety concern. Business owners report losing customers because vehicles can’t access their premises.
In emergencies, locals are forced to carry patients on foot to distant streets where they can hail a tricycle or taxi.
“I nearly lost my life during a health crisis weeks ago. My car was useless because the road was completely cut off,” resident Ogbuhe Michael recounted.
However, the Enugu State Ministry of Works disputes the abandonment claims. Spokesperson Mrs Ngozi Ngene insists the matter has been resolved:
“We met with the contractors on Wednesday and addressed their concerns. They are back on site. It is not true that projects have been abandoned.”
Despite the ministry’s assurances, RoadKing.ng’s spot checks indicate some of the affected roads remain untouched, leaving residents skeptical about when or if normal access will be restored.
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