Abia State Governor,Dr Alex Otti has flagged off the construction of the 11.5 Kilometer Nunya-Eluama road in Isukwato LGA, assuring that his administration is bridging the development divide through the construction of various road projects in the rural and urban areas of the state.
The long abandoned Nunya -Eluama road which traverses communities like the Umuebere, Umunnekwu, Amiyi Obinohia, and Amaba, would on completion facilitate transportation of agricultural produce, enhance connectivity and economic development in the region.
Speaking at the event, Governor Otti who titled his speech, “Closing the Development Divide“, highlighted the significance of the road project in transforming economic and social fortunes of the rural communities.
He further noted that the Nunya -Eluama road on completion would enable farmers access urban markets more efficiently, assuring that the road would be completed within the next 12 months.
He explained that while urban centers were essential for citing industries, the rural areas play a crucial role in agriculture and other allied businesses adding that by investing in both urban and rural infrastructure, his government aims to achieve even development across the state.
“This project leads into our general strategy of opening up our rural communities for greater prosperity through quicker access to urban markets and increased investments which ultimately would yield massive employment opportunities for thousands of our young people.
“While we are working very hard to restore the manufacturing glory of Aba and Umuahia, we are also conscious of the needs of our farmers in the rural areas.
“Our economic development programme is therefore structured to achieve balance development across parts of the state, this is to effectively harness the comparative advantages of communities to improve the fortunes of individuals, families and businesses.
“For us, every part of the state is important in the new Abia project. Our plan is to steadily invest in public infrastructure for the purpose of making the communities economically viable and attractive to investors”, Governor Otti said.
The Governor noted that the choice of China Civil Engineering Construction Company Limited (CCECC) to execute the project was a deliberate one, based on their proven track record, expertise, and commitment to timely delivery.
Governor Otti used the opportunity to inform the people that all road projects embarked by his administration are proceeding as scheduled and would be delivered and commissioned in record time.
He urged citizens to fulfill their civic duties, including prompt payment of taxes, and assured that his government would utilize the states finances judiciously for the collective benefit of the people.
Earlier in his address, the Commissioner for Works, Mr Otumchere Oti, while noting that road infrastructure has become a regular feature of the Governor Otti administration, described quality road network as the bedrock of development of any society.
He noted that the road has been deplorable for many years causing untold hardship for the people of the area, other road users and had defiled the efforts of previous administrations, and called on the people of Isukwato to cooperate with the contractors for timely completion of the project.
In his remarks, a former Chief of Army Staff, and an indigene of Isuikwuato, Lieutenant General Azubuike Ihejirika Rtd, pointed out that good governance is all about infrastructural development, security and promotion of the welfare of the people and thanked Governor Alex Otti for redefining leadership in the state.
In their separate speeches, the member representing Isuikwuato state constituency Mr Lucky Udoka -Johnson and the Mayor, Isuikwuato LGA Chief Chiwendu Onyeike thanked the Governor for coming to their rescue, adding that the road when completed will have multiplier effect on the economic wellbeing of the people.
