Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has commissioned the newly rehabilitated 1.3-kilometer Dozie Way, a key infrastructure project aimed at enhancing the economic development of Umuahia and its environs.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the governor disclosed that the ₦750 million project was executed through direct labor by the Abia State Ministry of Works, saving the state government significant costs compared to the ₦2.2 billion quoted by external contractors.
The governor described the road as a symbol of his administration’s commitment to transforming Umuahia into a modern urban hub. He added that the project demonstrates his dedication to enhancing economic activities and decongesting traffic in the state capital.
“This road also serves to decongest traffic on Ikot Ekpene Road during periods of gridlock. It is instrumental in supporting economic activities in several community markets within Lodu, Ahiaeke, Umuana, and Umuahia,” he said.
“This road will not only boost economic progress beyond the immediate precincts of the area but will also attract new investments in real estate, agriculture, hospitality, and retail trading.
“This project will spur job creation and improve property values in the surrounding areas,” he added.
Governor Otti also disclosed plans to embark on expansive road development projects over the next 12 months, including ongoing works along IBB Way and the Ahiaeke-Lodu corridor.
“As you may be aware, the preliminary stages of extensive civil engineering works are already ongoing along IBB Way and the stretch of road leading to Ahiaeke and Lodu.
“My promise to you is that there will be multiple reconstruction activities along this corridor during the entire length of the present dry-season window,” he said.
In his remarks, the Deputy Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Mr. Austin Mmeregini, described the project as evidence of the administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of Abians. He urged residents to support the government’s rebuilding agenda and fulfill their civic duties, including paying taxes.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Works, Mr. Otumchere Oti, noted that Dozie Way was initially intended as a strategic bypass to ease traffic congestion from Ikot Ekpene Road to the Timber Market.
He, however, pointed out that years of neglect by previous administrations had left the road in a deplorable state, necessitating its comprehensive rehabilitation.
Mr. Oti emphasized that the road would enhance social and economic activities in the area and urged residents to avoid acts that could jeopardize the government’s reconstruction efforts.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Umuahia North Local Government Area, Chief Smart Iheoma, expressed gratitude to the governor for alleviating the suffering of residents through the road rehabilitation. He appealed for similar interventions in other parts of the local government.
In their separate remarks, leaders of the Umuana-Ndume community, including Mr. Friday Ohaeri and Chief John Onyiro, commended the governor for completing the project. They also called for the rehabilitation of connecting roads to further enhance the movement of goods and people.
The community leaders urged residents to protect the newly constructed road and refrain from activities that could undermine the state government’s efforts.
