Few weeks after work began on the 67-kilometer Umuahia- Uzuakoli -Ohafia road, Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti has officially flagged off the reconstruction of the 30 Kilometre Arochukwu Ndiokereke-Ozuabam road.
The road which is expected to be completed within 12 months, would revive agricultural and business activities in the Abia North Senatorial zone and attract investments.
Speaking at the event held at Amuvi Arochukwu LGA, Governor Otti who titled his speech; “Beyond Roads; Creating New Pathways For Social And Economic Development”, assured citizens of his administration’s commitment to ensuring even development and enhancing the living conditions of the people across rural and urban communities.
The Governor highlighted the lost economic opportunities as a result of the terrible state of some of the most economically viable roads in the state due to neglect adding that not much was done by past administrations to address these challenges in several rural communities and urban centers.
He emphasized the significant losses incurred by farmers due to difficulties in transporting produce to markets, as well as the adverse impact on businesses in urban areas, and pointed out that “the cost of this neglect on the economy of the state in terms of lost opportunities cannot be quantified”.
Governor Otti said that his administration prioritized road construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance as crucial steps toward revitalizing the state’s economy.
“As a government that made a covenant to bring succor to the people after many years of frustrations, we knew that road construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance must be made major priorities long before we took our oath of office.
“Starting with some of the most strategic roads in Aba and Umuahia, we are now expanding the scope to cover roads that connect our agricultural zones to the urban areas in other to boost the state agricultural output and expand our economic corridors to create jobs for thousands of our young people while taming rural-urban migration.
“Coming just weeks after work began on the 67-kilometer Umuahia- Uzuakoli -Ohafia road, the clear message is that no part of the state shall be left behind in our push to expand the frontiers of economic and social opportunities for individuals, families, and businesses”, Gov Otti said.
Governor Otti further highlighted collaborative efforts with the federal government to address infrastructure challenges, including discussions to fast-track the reconstruction of the Umuahia-Bende-Ohafia road.
“We have started discussions on the next way that the Federal government can send the contractors to the site.
“So while the state is doing its own, we are also partnering with the federal government to do their own and I have the assurance that work would soon start on that corridor”, Otti assured.
The Governor while stressing the importance of utilizing taxpayers’ money effectively to engage reputable contractors who would deliver long-lasting projects to Abians, urged citizens and businesses to fulfill their financial obligations, including timely payment of taxes, to sustain ongoing development initiatives and warned against vandalization of government properties.
In an address earlier, the Commissioner for Works Mr Otumchere Oti noted that the 30-kilometer road, awarded to a reputable company The JEND Construction company is expected to be delivered according to specifications and in record time.
Mr. Oti commended the Governor for exhibiting political will by embarking on the project which he noted would break the jinx of the old saying that there is no short route to Arochukwu kingdom in addition to its multiplier effect on the economic fortunes of the people.
In their separate speeches, the member representing Arochukwu state constituency Mr. Uchenna Kalu, and the Mayor of the LGA Mazi Eze Aru appreciated Governor Otti for undertaking the road project, noting that when completed, the project will open the areas to greater economic opportunities as well as give their people a sense of belonging.
