Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has officially flagged off the reconstruction, dualization and expansion of the 5.5km Umuikaa -Owerrinta Federal Highway
The project on completion is expected to enhance safety by reducing the risk of road accidents, ensure free traffic flow, and minimizing delays, particularly for those commuting to the Sam Mbakwe Cargo Airport as well as support the South East Integration Project by facilitating cost-effective inter-state trade.
Speaking while flagging off the project at the Seventh Day Adventist Church, Primary School, Umuikaa Isialangwa South LGA, Governor Otti emphasized the importance of road infrastructure in driving economic growth and societal development.
The Governor noted that although the Umuikaa -Owerrinta Road is a Federal road, “every stretch of road within the boundaries of Abia is of great importance to the government, whether designated Federal, State or Local Government roads”.
He expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for granting approval to the State to embark on the project, despite its Federal status.
Governor Otti assured residents that on completion, the dual carriage way Owerrinta -Umuikka road would create an inviting experience for road users coming into Abia from neighbouring States of Imo and Anambra.
The Governor highlighted that his administration has prioritized road infrastructure as a critical measure of progress in repositioning Abia as a prime destination for investment.
Governor Otti who emphasized that his administration came prepared to change the ugly experiences encountered by road users, vowed that never again would bad roads be used to describe the entry points into Abia State.
“From the heart of Abia’s metropolitan areas to the most remote communities, we have provided overwhelming evidence of our commitment to quality roads as a pathway to building a prosperous society.
“Over the last twenty months, we have taken long projects that those who came before us simply ignored because of the scope or size of the resources required to start and complete them.
“For us however, we are guided by the believe that when a man says yes, he partners God in agreement.
“We came prepared to change the ugly experiences, many road users coming to Abia from other states usually have as soon as their vehicles hits our roads.
“All that is in the past now, never again would bad roads will be used to describe the entry points into Abia state”, Gov Otti stated.
He announced that the proposed Medical city, set to be flagged off later this year, would be located along the newly reconstructed road, to position the area as a hub for Real Estate Investment, Hospitality, Agriculture, Agro-processing, and Transport logistics.
Earlier in an address, the Commissioner for Works Mr Otumchere Otti said that the road serves as the western gateway in Abia, adding that when completed ,the project will transform the lives of the people, boost economic activities and expand the economic potentials of the area as an industrial hub.
Also speaking, the Member Representing Isiala Ngwa South State Constituency, Hon. Rowland Chinwendu, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Uzor Nwachukwu and Mayor Isialangwa South, Hon. Chiedozie Nwogwugwu, expressed happiness that Isiala Ngwa South it’s witnessing unprecedented infrastructural development under the leadership of Governor Alex Otti.
They thanked the Governor for his commitment to developing Abia State, particularly Isialangwa South and assured him of their support.
In their various speeches, some styakeholders from Isialangwa South including Senator Darlington Nwokocha, Dr Gershion Amuta Mr. Dannie Ubani , Eze Nelson Nmerengwa, appreciated Governor Otti for proving that governance is not a rocket science as well as redefining leadership in Abia state.
They said the Governor has made them proud through his unwavering commitments to fixing road infrastructure, Health, Education among others and assured the Governor of their continuous support and prayers.
