The Ebonyi State Ministry of Works has dismissed reports circulating on social media alleging that a foreign construction firm recommended the demolition of the ongoing Vanco Flyover and Tunnel Project in Abakaliki, describing the claim as false, misleading and without any technical basis.
In a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the Ministry, Mr. Onwe Emmanuel Onwe, on behalf of the Commissioner for Works, the government clarified that no Chinese or foreign engineering company was ever engaged to assess the project with a view to recommending its demolition.
The ministry stated that the report claiming that a foreign firm had been invited to take over and subsequently advised the demolition of the structure was entirely fabricated and intended to misinform the public and create unnecessary tension around the ongoing Vanco flyover and tunnel works.
It further emphasized that at no time did the government of Ebonyi State approve or consider the demolition of the Vanco Flyover and Tunnel Project, noting that the project remains active and construction work is ongoing in line with approved engineering standards.
According to the ministry, all decisions relating to public infrastructure projects are guided strictly by professional assessments carried out under the supervision of the Ministry of Works, Ebonyi State, and not based on social media speculation or unverified reports.
The statement accused the authors of the viral publication of deliberately spreading misinformation aimed at undermining public confidence in the ongoing Vanco flyover and tunnel project, as well as the government’s infrastructural development agenda.
It also clarified that no foreign firm has issued any report recommending demolition, structural replacement, or abandonment of the project, describing such claims as baseless and irresponsible.
Reaffirming government’s commitment, the ministry noted that the ongoing Vanco Flyover and Tunnel remains a key infrastructure project designed to improve traffic flow, reduce flooding challenges, and boost economic activities within Abakaliki and its environs.
The statement urged residents of Ebonyi State to disregard the report in its entirety and rely only on official government communication channels for accurate updates on ongoing projects.
It further reiterated the administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability and quality delivery under the leadership of Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, while warning against the spread of misinformation capable of distorting public understanding of government projects.
