Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has flagged off the reconstruction and expansion of the 5.95 km Abia Express Tower to Onu-Imo Bridge in fulfillment of his promise to make every entry point into Abia State an epitome and face of the New Abia.

Governor Otti also flagged off the construction of the long-abandoned 6.92 km Umuopara Ring Road, which cuts across Umunwanwa, Ogbodi na Ibe, and Ehume communities, covering the recovery of parts of the road ravaged by erosion.

Speaking during the ceremony, the Governor emphasized that the reconstruction and expansion of the Abia Tower to Onu-Imo Bridge Federal Road marks a major milestone in the state’s infrastructural renewal program.Governor Otti said that the project, which is being executed by Craneburg Nigeria Limited, will transform the single-lane road into a dual-carriageway to accommodate heavy traffic.

He added that the expansion is also expected to reduce road accidents, enhance safety, and boost economic activities in the area, among other benefits.Governor Otti expressed gratitude to the Federal Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, for granting the state the necessary approvals to fix the road and assured that in the next few days, all genuine landlords whose properties have been marked for demolition will receive their full compensation.

The Governor also announced that his administration has concluded plans to retrofit and rebuild the General Hospital Amachara and equally directed his Special Adviser on Education, Mr. Kenechukwu Nwosu, to immediately commence the comprehensive retrofitting of the Community Schools Umunwanwa 1 & 2 in accordance with the State Government’s template.

In their remarks, the member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency, Sir Obi Aguocha, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Chief Iheanacho Obioma, noted that Governor Alex Otti has redefined leadership within a short time in office and thanked him for his efforts towards opening Umuahia for greater opportunities.

The Commissioner for Works, Engr. Otumchere Oti, said that the Onuimo-Tower road will complete the journey that began in September 2023, which saw the completion and commissioning of the expansion of Aguiyi Ironsi Boulevard.

He added that the project, when completed, will redefine the gateway to Umuahia, the capital city.

He noted that the project, which will be delivered in 18 months, will also boost trade and commerce, as well as increase the value of properties along the Onuimo-Abia Tower axis.

He emphasized that Craneburg Construction Company, known for delivering quality jobs, will ensure the project meets the set standards.

Regarding the Umuopara Ring Road, which cuts across Umunwanwa, Ogbodi na Ibe, and Ehume communities, the Commissioner for Works described it as a very strategic road connecting many communities.

He added that it would revitalize communities along the corridor, generate employment, and include solar street lights, with a 12-month completion timeframe.

At the flag-off of the construction of the Umuopara Ring Road, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Policies and Interventions, Rev. Fr. Christian Anokwuru, former House member for Umuahia South State Constituency, Sir Jerry Uzosike, and the Chief Protocol Officer to the Governor, Mr. Uche Nwosu, thanked Governor Alex Otti for the gesture, noting that all previous efforts to construct the road had proven abortive.

They also mentioned that the road had long been used as a political tool by many politicians.The Mayor of Umuahia South LGA, Mr. Chiwendu Enwereuzo, the member representing Umuahia South State Constituency, Mr. Tommy Obioma, and the President-General of the Umuopara Development Union, Sir Emenike Onuoha, thanked Governor Alex Otti for proving that he is in a rescue mission and expressed confidence that in the years ahead, Abia will be the leading state in all parameters.

Our Government House correspondent reports that the CEO of Coscharis Group, Dr. Cosmos Maduka, government officials, and a host of other dignitaries graced the event.