Abia State Government has resolved to install speed breakers on major roads across the cities in a bid to curb rising cases of over-speeding and reduce the risk of road accidents.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this while briefing journalists on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
Prince Kanu said the decision followed concerns that the ongoing construction and reconstruction of roads, particularly in Umuahia, had inadvertently encouraged excessive speeding by motorists, thereby endangering lives.
The Commissioner added that the installation of speed breakers was aimed at mitigating the growing danger and enhancing road safety across the State.
“With the construction and reconstruction of some of the roads in Umuahia, the lives of some commuters now appears to be at risk as a result of over-speeding”, he said.
The Commissioner further announced that the State Government has approved the release of funds to accelerate the completion of ongoing projects adding that work has commenced on several urban beautification initiatives.
Prince Kanu listed the beautification initiatives to include, roadside tree planting, landscaping of designated public spaces, repair and painting of kerbs, as well as the installation of road signs.
According to him, key roads earmarked for the programme include Aguiyi Ironsi Boulevard, Library Avenue and the stretch from Shoprite through Aba Park, noting that protective guard wires had been installed along some routes to safeguard newly planted trees.
Prince Kanu also disclosed that significant progress has been recorded at the Afara Relief Market project site, where construction of perimeter fencing had been completed and compensation paid to affected landowners.
On road infrastructure, he revealed that the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA) is set to commence the rehabilitation of internal roads within the Methodist Theological Institute, Umuahia.
He listed other ongoing and proposed road projects to include the construction of Umuokoro Road linking BCA Road to Ikot Ekpene Road in Ohokobe Ndume, the New Heaven Junction to Isi-Court Road in Umuahia South, Uzzi Ossah Road and the rehabilitation of Mgbarakuma–Nsirimo Road.
He added that the road linking the International Conference Centre to Winners Church/ASEPA Road would also be constructed, while the Michael Okpara statue would be retrofitted.
The Commissioner further disclosed that the State has expanded its development framework with the establishment of the Greater Ohafia Development Authority (GODA), to complement the Greater Aba Development Authority (GADA) and UCDA, with a view to extending development to other parts of the State.
He noted that since its inception, GODA had embarked on strategic road projects aimed at improving connectivity within Ohafia and across the Abia North Senatorial Zone, including the 1.53km Amaekpu-Ohafia Ring Road, the 300m Ezeukwu Road in Bende, the 2.35km Ezera Road in Isuikwuato, Okoronta Road in Ohafia, erosion control works spanning 850m in Bende and maintenance of the 4.5km Abiriba–Nkporo Road, among others.
Prince Kanu disclosed that direct labour works are ongoing in 51 locations across the State, adding that two projects including the maintenance and asphalt overlay of the 3.65km Abiriba Road from Orieagwa Junction to Amaogudu Roundabout and the 1.12km Okpuala–Umuala–Nbawsi Road has recently been completed.
He also announced that the State would hold a burial service in honour of the late Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, on Wednesday, 25 March 2026, at 10:00 a.m.
Contributing, the General Manager of UCDA, Mr Kingsley Agomuo, said the installation of speed breakers was a proactive measure to safeguard road users..
Also speaking, the Director-General of GODA, Obinna Odum, said the agency was established to drive development in Abia North, beginning with Ohafia.
He explained that the road projects being executed in the area were designed to link various local government areas and improve access for the evacuation of agricultural produce.
