Mbah Proposes Gas Pipeline and Railway to Boost South East

(Peter Mbah. Photo Credit: Premuim Times)
Enugu Governor Peter Mbah wants the South East Development Commission to focus on building a regional gas pipeline, a railway network and projects that help factories grow.

He made the call while hosting the Senate Committee on the commission in Enugu.

He said a high-pressure gas line linking the region's major cities would give industries steady access to gas.

He added that the South East should benefit from gas produced in the wider south, since pipelines already carry it to other parts of the country.

He also proposed a railway linking major cities across the five South East states.

He wants the states to agree on one design, with the commission acting as the meeting point.

This, he said, would ease trade and take some pressure off the roads.

Mbah also pointed to a 200-hectare agro programme in Nomeh Unateze as proof of the commission's work in farming.

He asked the commission to fund young entrepreneurs whose businesses are ready to grow.

He urged the senators to help the commission secure the money it needs. Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, who chairs the committee, praised Mbah's work on schools, healthcare, water and transport.

Kalu also said the dispute over where the commission's headquarters would be has been settled, with Enugu State providing temporary offices and a site for the permanent building.