Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti has officially flagged off the reconstruction of the long-neglected 41.4 Kilometre Ohafia-Arochukwu Federal Road, restoring hope for over 60 communities in the area.
The road, originally constructed in the 1960s by the then Eastern Region government led by Dr. Michael Okpara, served as a major artery that spurred agricultural, commercial, and tourism activities across the region.
However, years of abandonment by successive administrations led to the deterioration of the road, which not only stifled economic opportunities but also deepened the hardship faced by the people on account of it’s dilapidation.
Speaking at the Old Soldier Junction, Ebem Ohafia, during the flag off ceremony, the Governor described the the event as a milestone in his administration’s commitment to foster economic growth, and improve the lives of Abia people.
He noted that the Ohafia-Arochukwu Road had for decades been a symbol of neglect which earned it the notorious reputation of being one of Nigeria’s worst Federal roads, adding that its dilapidated state had not only hampered economic activities but also isolated over 60 communities in the area.
“Being a Federal road, previous administrations in the State considered that it was better to let the Federal Government fix it.
“With many considered haphazard attempts made by Abuja to undertake the reconstruction around 2012, funds were reportedly approved but for some mysterious reasons, nothing significant happened and the people continued to live with the daily despair of passing through what several respected newspaper columnists described as the “worst federal road in Nigeria.
“What we have come to do today is to take our destiny in our hands. Today, we have come to begin a holistic process that will put an end to this age-old nightmare and give fellow Abians living in the over 60 communities and clans around this corridor, a new lease of life“, Otti stated.
He added that the bold initiative to reconstruct the road was taken by the state in order to save the Federal Government the embarrassment that the road has brought it before international visitors and tourists.
Governor Otti revealed that his administration had secured approval from the Federal Government to take over the reconstruction of the road and expressed optimism that the Federal Government would reimburse the state for the project.
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Governor Otti who called for cooperation of all stakeholders to ensure the successful completion of the project, urged citizens to support his administration by paying their taxes, assuring that their contributions would be used to fund critical projects that would enhance their collective wellbeing.
He further assured that the Ohafia-Arochukwu road when completed would set the stage for renewed economic growth, improved infrastructure, and enhanced quality of life for Abia people.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Works, Don Otumchere Oti said the reconstruction of the road will mark a major turning point in the socio economic development of Ohafia and Arochukwu, who have suffered decades of neglect due to the deplorable condition of the road.
The Commissioner highlighted the challenges the communities have faced which had hampered economic activities noting that successive state governments had previously abandoned the project under the pretext that it was a federal responsibility.
He thanked the Governor for his commitment to the welfare of the people and decision to prioritize the well-being of citizens adding project with a contact period of 24 months will not only involve the construction of the road but also revitalize the communities along the corridor.
Also speaking, a Former Minister of Finance, Dr Kalu Idika Kalu and the Eze Aro Kingdom, Eze Eberechukwu Oji, said the Governor has through the gesture brought an end to the many years of reproach on people living along Arochukwu-Ohafia, assuring that stakeholders in the areas will give the contractor the needed support to deliver the job according to specifications.
The event featured goodwill messages from various stakeholders including the Deputy Governor, Chief Ikechukwu Emetu, Member representing Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency, Chief Ibe Okwara Osonwa as well as the Mayor, Ohafia LGA, Chief David Ogba Onuoha.
