Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti has commissioned 13 new roads reconstructed by his administration in Aba the Commercial hub of the State totalling 5.34kms.
The roads are Umuode road, Bakassi road, Isu Ihiteukwa Street, Asa Road, Enyimba Junction to Ariraria Gate, Rehabilitation of Market Road from Asa to Eziukwu Road and rehabilitation of Tenant road from Asa to Eziukwu.
Others include, rehabilitation of Cameron road from Asa to Eziukwu, rehabilitation of Ehi Road from Queens to Eziukwu, Clifford Road from Asa to Eziukwu, rehabilitation of School road from Asa to Railway crossing, Afikpo Road from Eziukwu to School Road and Afikpo to School road.
Speaking at the St. Joseph’s College Aba during the road commissioning, Governor Otti said that the chains of the inter-connected roads speak to his administration’s Urban renewal agenda and commitment to the holistic restoration of the Aba urban corridor.
The Governor while adding that the roads have been fixed to generally improve the business environment, elevate urban experience, emphasized that his urban renewal agenda centers on the evolution of Aba as a strategic commercial and industrial destination.
While thanking Engineers of the ministry of works for their effectiveness and timely delivery of the projects, the Governor assured that government will continue to carry them along in the execution of development projects across the state.
He used the forum to congratulate the newly appointed Chairman and members of the Board of Greater Aba Development Authority GADA on their new assignment, adding that aside spearheading the development and expansion of modern infrastructure within the Aba urban and sub-urban corridors, GADA is equally expected to play critical roles in shaping the social and cultural character of the city.
On request made by the Catholic Bishop of Aba, The State Chief Executive promised to direct the Ministry of Power and Public Utilities to partner the St. Joseph’s College Aba in solving their water challenge as well as partner the school in making sure that they are in line with laid down standard as he is passionate about ensuring that both public and private schools in the state operate on approved standard.
In their speeches, the Commissioner for works, Engr. Otumchere Oti and the G.M, Greater Aba Development Authority GADA, Arch. Uche Ukeje, while noting that the road projects are in tandem with Governor Alex Otti’s drive to create an ecosystem for sustainable economic growth, said that prior to the Governor’s intervention, most of the reconstructed roads were flooded and overgrown with weeds.
They noted that the deplorable state of the roads during the visit of Governor Alex Otti that prompted the Governor to immediately issue directive to the Ministry of Works which quickly swung into action and realized the chains of projects within 6months through the direct labor initiative.
In an address, the Catholic Bishop of Aba Diocese Professor Augustine Echema represented by the Education Secretary of the church, Dr Vincent Oguguwa while appreciating the Governor for coming to their rescue, said that the roads represent access to greater opportunities, smoother transportation, enhanced security accessibility and improved economic activities.
In his remarks on behalf of traders at Tenant and Market roads Aba North and Aba South, Eze Ernest Onwuka thanked Governor Otti for his infrastructural revolution in Aba and environs, adding that they have endorsed him for a second term in office.
Our correspondent reports that the event which featured presentations from students of St Joseph’s College Aba was attended by the Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, the Speaker Abia House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa and host of other top government functionaries, the Aba business Community and captains of industry.
