Umuahia: Gov. Alex Otti of Abia has initiated the rehabilitation of the Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene Road, promising to complete the project on schedule. The governor expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for allowing the Abia Government to assume control over the neglected sections of the road.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Otti highlighted the challenges faced by commuters and transporters due to the deteriorated state of the road. He also acknowledged the assistance of the Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, in facilitating the technical aspects of the project.
Otti stated that the rehabilitation aligns with the state’s broader development goals and emphasized the importance of collaboration across political lines. Despite the road being under federal jurisdiction, the state is committed to maintaining roads that support socioeconomic development.
The governor revealed that previous attempts to reconstruct the road had been stalled for a decade, worsening its condition. The rehabilitation aims to improve commuting, boost local economic growth, and enhance security.
Otti announced a project completion timeline of 18 months, with the potential for earlier completion. Sen. Austin Akobundu, representing Abia Central Senatorial Zone, lauded the governor’s efforts and called for political unity to support the project.
The Deputy Speaker of the Abia House of Assembly, Mr. Austin Meregini, also praised Otti for his proactive approach to infrastructure development. The Commissioner for Works, Mr. Otumchere Oti, detailed the project’s specifications, including road width, pavement structure, and additional features such as solar-powered street lights.
The Managing Director of GELD Construction Company Limited, Mr. Nabeel Esawi, assured the state government of the project’s timely and high-quality completion. He thanked all stakeholders, including the local community, for their cooperation.
Additionally, the President General of Ndume Otuka Development Union, Mr. John Onyiro, expressed the community’s support for the project, emphasizing collaboration with the construction company.
The News Agency of Nigeria also reported the commencement of the 13.1-kilometre Ariam-Usaka Ring Road project in Ikwuano Local Government Area.