Abia State Government has announced that five newly completed road projects under its Direct Labour Initiative would be commissioned soon .
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Wednesday, while briefing Journalists on the outcome of this week’s Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
According to him, the roads include repairs on the 19.5km Umuahia-Bende Road (Phase 1 and 2), maintenance work on the 1.76km Igbere Junction to Onu Roundabout, the reconstruction of the 2.5km Umuokogbuo Road, rehabilitation of the 8.3km Isieketa-Obikabia Road in Isialangwa South LGA, and the Obehie-Ezendioma Road in Ukwa West LGA.
Prince Kanu revealed that Governor Otti would, in the coming months, flag off the total reconstruction of the Umuahia-Bende Road following expert recommendations.
“Interestingly that road has been recommended for total reconstruction and in the coming weeks and months, I believe His Excellency will be in that road to flag it off and have it totally reconstructed”, he stated.
On the Umuahia Urban Renewal Project, the Commissioner assured that the initiative to transform Umuahia into a modern city is progressing steadily.
“Quite a lot of work is going across the State Capital including the Akanu Ibiam road, the Library Avenue (Bank road) to FMC junction quite a lot of work have gone on there and very soon would be ready for commissioning.
“They are all part of the efforts to turn Umuahia into a beautiful Modern City”, Prince Kanu said.
He also noted that other infrastructure projects, such as the new bus terminal and bus shelters strategically located along major roads, were at advanced stages of completion, adding that when completed, the signature projects will change the look and feel of Umuahia.
“Bus shelters are springing up in the state capital especially along the Aguiyi Ironsi Boulevard a lot of them have been completed.
“Solar powered street lights are being installed in areas not captured in the first phase of the light up Abia project,we believe that when these projects are completed we will have a new Umuahia, One that befits Umuahia as the Capital of Abia State”, he said.
Regarding Security, Prince Kanu announced the release of a prominent businessman who was kidnapped in Ukwa a few weeks ago.
“I am happy to announce that he has been released as confirmed by Doctors he is hail and hearty”, Prince Kanu disclosed.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to Security Agencies and urged Town Unions and Traditional Rulers to be alive to their responsibilities of safeguarding their domains.
Prince Kanu further warned that Security Agencies would soon begin scrutinizing traditional rulers to identify those who may be harboring criminals adding that any traditional ruler found harboring criminals will be treated as an accomplice.
On transportation, the Commissioner who reiterated that the ongoing registration of all commercial vehicles in the state is still in progress, announced that strict enforcement of the directive would soon commence and urged those yet to comply to do so immediately to avoid being penalized.
The General Manager of Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA), Mr. Kingsley Agomoh; the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma.and the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, were part of the briefing.
