Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has flagged off construction of the first phase of Aba Ring Road project, which cuts across Umuaduru – Okpulo Umuobo, in Osisioma LGA.
The 4.9 km project, being handled under the Greater Aba Development Authority (GADA), is expected to create an alternative traffic route around the commercial city and further support the state’s drive towards urban renewal and economic expansion.
When completed, the road would allow commuters and commercial transporters to bypass the busy Aba metropolis and connect to other parts of the city and neighbouring states such as Akwa Ibom.
Speaking on Tuesday, during the flag-off ceremony, which forms part of activities marking his administration’s third anniversary in office, Governor Otti described the road as a strategic infrastructure initiative designed to decongest the commercial city.
Governor Otti said that the state government conceived the road initiative as part of efforts to not only tackle traffic congestion but also stimulate economic growth through improved connectivity in the state’s commercial hub.
He noted that the project would create a bypass system for travellers and transporters whose destinations are outside the city centre.
“The whole idea, is to take traffic off Aba Metropolitan City.
“If you have no business in Aba, then you don’t have to enter Aba to go to Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Obingwa and other parts of the state. That would reduce the congestion inside the town”, Governor Otti said.
The Governor disclosed that the project was conceptualised about a year ago and followed due procurement procedures before the contract was awarded.
He further stressed his administration’s policy of ensuring that contractors commence work before formal project inaugurations and expressed happiness that work had already commenced.
“Before we flag off any project, we ensure that work has started, so I’m happy that we have started construction”, Gov Otti added.
Earlier, the Director-General of Geater Aba Development Authority (GADA), Architect Uche Ukeje, explained that the road forms the first phase of the Aba Ring road project intended to improve movement around Aba.
He added that the entire place of the road project would run from the project point through Ihe, while the initial current phase would start from the project point and link up to Ikot Ekpene Road and would terminate at Okpulor Umuobo.
“Your Excellency, this is the first phase of the Aba Ring Road. It starts from here and it ends at Ihie”, Ukeje said.
According to him, the section under construction is approximately 4.9 kilometres in length and has a width of 11 metres.
Ukeje explained that the project would significantly reduce unnecessary traffic entering the city, thereby improving travel efficiency and reducing pressure on major urban roads.
“So what this road is supposed to do is that passengers going to Okpulumuogbo or other parts of the city do not need to get into the city.
“They will link this road, get off at Ikot Ekpene Road and off they go. Those going into other parts of the city will go through Okpulor Umuobo”, he said.
Ukeke, added that the road network would shorten travel time considerably when completed.
“With this road and the next road you’re going to commission (Afule) one will get into the city and from here will be able to go to Aba Sports Club in about 12 minutes when it’s completed”, he added.
