Abia State Government, Dr Alex Otti has commissioned 13 newly reconstructed roads in Aba, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to urban renewal and infrastructure development as a catalyst for economic growth.
The roads include; Umuode Road, Bakassi Road,Isu Ihiteukwa Street, Asa Road, Enyimba Junction-Ariaria Gate Road, rehabilitated Market Road; from Asa to Eziukwu Road Aba, Tenant Road; from Asa road to Eziukwu Road.
Others include: Cameroun Road; from Asa road to Eziukwu Road, Ehi Road; from Queens Road to Eziukwu Road, Clifford Road; from Asa Road to Eziukwu Road, School Road from Asa Road to Railway Crossing, Afikpo Road from Eziukwu Road to School Road axis, and reconstructed Afikpo Road to School Road.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony held on Tuesday at St. Joseph’s College, Aba, Governor Otti noted that the commissioning of chains of interconnected routes, speak to God administrations urban renewal agenda and commitment to the holistic restoration of the Aba Urban Corridor.
Governor Otti highlighted that the stretches of roads within Aba have been fixed to “generally improve the business environment, elevate urban experience, and add to the appeal of the communities around here”.
“Roads do not just create paths to new opportunities, they restore ancient landmarks. I am glad that you have come out in your numbers to be witnesses to the evolution of Aba as a strategic commercial and industrial destination”, he stated.
The Governor who explained the restoration of access roads is symbolic to the Aba’s revival after years of infrastructural neglect, lauded the people of Aba for their patience and unwavering belief in a brighter future.
He emphasized that his administration’s commitment to attract global investors to Aba, citing the city’s strategic location, skilled workforce, and expanding digital and industrial infrastructure.
Governor Otti said that new investments in broadband connectivity and energy supply are already underway to position Aba as a competitive hub for remote services and global commerce.
The Governor commended landlords, business owners, and residents for their cooperation during the construction period, as well as the Ministry of Works and the Greater Aba Development Authority (GADA) for what he described as their professionalism and dedication to quality delivery.
He disclosed that GADA would not only spearhead infrastructure projects but also shape the city’s social and cultural evolution in the coming years.
Governor Otti who urged residents to take ownership of public infrastructure by maintaining the roads also charged them to fulfill their civic obligations by paying their taxes promptly and working with security agencies to maintain law and order across the city.
He pledged immediate intervention to address water supply challenges at the St. Joseph’s College and promised support for public schools to enhance the quality of education.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Works, Mr. Otumchere Oti, revealed that the roads span a total of 5.34 kilometres, with widths ranging from 7.3 to 15 metres.
The Commissioner explained that the roads were built using approved materials and executed under the direct labour initiative of the State Ministry of Works.
He commended Governor Otti’s commitment to responsive leadership, highlighting that the projects completed within six months were hitherto in deplorable conditions and prone to flooding, now offer safer, healthier, and more business-friendly access routes.
In his address, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Aba, Most Rev. Prof. Augustine Echema, represented by the Diocesan Education Secretary, Rev. Fr. Vincent Ogugua described the reconstructed roads as vital channels of opportunity and security for the populace.
In his remarks, the Executive Chairman of Aba South Local Government Area, Mr. Obialor Anyanwu, said the improved infrastructure has transformed Aba’s economy from a six-hour to a 16-hour business cycle, with prospects of becoming a 24-hour economy.
He lauded the State Government’s efforts in enhancing the ease of doing business and called on residents to support these gains by paying taxes and ensuring security.
Also, the Director General of GADA, Mr. Uche Ukeje, also noted that the new roads would improve traffic flow and the efficient movement of goods and services, adding that the construction adhered strictly to technical standards to ensure durability and flood resistance.
A representative of traders on Tenant and Market Roads, Mr. Ernest Onwuka, thanked the government for alleviating the long-standing hardship traders faced due to poor road conditions, noting that the improved roads would boost commercial activity and enhance the overall business environment.
