Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti has inaugurated the reconstructed 1.6 Kilometer Cemetery Road phase two, with a commitment to improving intra-city connectivity and revitalizing economic activities in Aba.
Speaking at the event, Governor Otti expressed satisfaction with his administration’s progress in delivering quality road networks to enhance urban mobility and foster economic development.
The Governor emphasized that his administration’s goal is to provide World-Class urban infrastructure, and making Aba one of the most attractive destination for businesses in West Africa.
“Our focus is to deliver World-Cass urban infrastructure to the city, so that it becomes one of the most inviting destination for individuals and families and of course businesses in West Africa and beyond.
“It may be tough but as we have demonstrated over the last decade of being in the public space our quest for success is stronger than any resistance that may come our way.
“The effort at reclaiming lost spaces in Aba is not improved in the business environment for locals, it is also drawing the interest and finances of foreign investors“, he said.
The Governor highlighted the transformative effects of infrastructure projects completed in the past 18 months by his administration, which he said had boosted economic output, created job opportunities, and inspired confidence among residents.
“Our infrastructure agenda has expanded opportunities for job seekers and entrepreneurs, reinforcing the belief that a new dawn has arrived in Abia,” he said.
Otti called on residents to support the State Government’s development initiatives by fulfilling their civic responsibilities, including prompt payment of taxes and providing timely information to security agencies.
“We are encouraged to embrace our civic responsibilities as citizens and partners in the New Abia Project by paying our taxes as and when due.
“The building of a green society is a collective responsibility so, I invite you to become part of this long term project transcending one single administration”, the Governor stated.
The Commissioner for Works, Mr. Otumchere Oti, in his address, noted that the rehabilitation of Cemetery Road, which traverses the Cemetery Road Market, was in line with the State Government’s commitment to foster sustainable economic growth through provision of a viable road network.
The Commissioner pointed out that the rehabilitated road was in a most deplorable state with commercial activities dwindling in the area.
According to him, the 1.6-kilometer road features a composite pavement of 100mm-thick asphaltic concrete over a 200mm-thick concrete slab for 1.2 kilometers, with the remaining 400 meters constructed as asphaltic concrete pavement.
He further explained that other features include culverts, drains, access slabs, roadway markings, and streetlights to enhance safety and aesthetics and urged residents to protect the road infrastructure as well as avoid actions that could compromise its durability.
In their separate speeches, the lawmaker representing Aba Central State Constituency, Mr Stephen Ucheonye and a Labour Party Chieftain, Mr Chimaobi Ebisike, commended the State Government for alleviating the suffering of residents adding that the project has boosted social and economic activities in the area.
In a remark, the Chairman of Aba South Local Government Area, Mr Obilor Anyanwu,said that the reconstruction of the road has brought socioeconomic development in the area, increased property values and reduced transport costs and travel time.
Earlier, a resident Mr. Kingsley Anthony expressed gratitude for the State Government’s intervention, and described the project as a much-needed reprieve from years of neglect.
He however, appealed to the State government for an urgent resolution to the power supply challenges experienced in the area.
Governor Otti in addition to Cemetery Road, also Commissioned the 1.6-Kilometer Umule Road and the 2.7-Kilometer Umuocham Road in Aba.
