By Victor Nwegede
The Ebonyi State Government has reaffirmed its determination to complete the iconic Vanco Flyover and Tunnel at record speed, despite engineering hurdles and seasonal challenges.
Speaking during a project inspection on Tuesday, the State Commissioner for Works, Engr. Stanley Lebechi Mbam, described the massive 28-span flyover and 1-kilometer tunnel as a signature achievement under Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru’s administration, aimed at transforming the Abakaliki cityscape and positioning the state for future growth.
“This is a massive transformation — a vision many thought impossible. But with God and a committed team, we are making it a reality,” Mbam said.
The project, flagged off on May 28, 2024, by the Minister of Works and former Governor of Ebonyi State, Senator David Umahi, was initiated as part of the governor’s one-year anniversary in office and serves as a continuation of key infrastructural priorities from previous administrations.
Mbam explained that although the project was initially slowed down by hard rock formations and heavy rainfall, engineers have overcome those challenges and are now making steady progress.
“We encountered rocks we had to blast, but we’ve pushed through. Given our current pace, we’re confident of completing it within the 24-month timeline,” he stated.
He assured that the construction adheres strictly to global standards, with rigorous quality checks on every material.
“From concrete to reinforcement, every component is tested and verified. I am 100% satisfied with the quality. This flyover will stand the test of time,” he emphasized.
The commissioner also noted that the flyover and tunnel, located at the Vincent Agwu Nwankwo (Vanco) Junction, form a central part of the state’s new urban traffic plan and will significantly reduce congestion at the once chaotic junction.
“This project is about foresight. Ebonyi has come of age. We must match the pace of development seen in other states,” he said.
Governor Nwifuru, who flagged off the 4.61km project earlier this year, said it will not only improve the city’s aesthetics but also restore order and enhance traffic flow in line with the original Abakaliki masterplan.
He lamented that years of unregulated development had distorted the city’s structure, stressing that his administration is committed to realigning it.
“The Vanco Junction has been a flashpoint for gridlock, poor drainage, and roadside trading. This project will change all that and reclaim the city’s dignity,” the governor noted during the groundbreaking ceremony.
The Vanco Flyover and Tunnel is named after the late political icon Vincent Agwu Nwankwo, a respected lawmaker from the 1950s who helped conceptualize the original layout of Abakaliki.
Senator Umahi, while performing the flag-off, commended Governor Nwifuru for his leadership and commitment to continuity.
“This is what good governance looks like, building on what was started and taking it to greater heights,” Umahi said, and upheld that once completed, the Vanco Flyover and Tunnel is expected to become one of the most ambitious and strategic infrastructure landmarks in Ebonyi State’s history signaling a bold new chapter for Abakaliki as a modern capital city.
