….Flags Off Construction Of Mbala-Umuaku Ngodo Road
Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti has flagged off the construction of the 11.2 kilometer Mbala-Umuaku-Ngodo Road in Umunneochi LGA with a vow that no part of the State will be neglected in the his administration’s accelerated transformation agenda.
Speaking at the flag off ceremony held at Ngodo Isuochi, Governor Otti emphasized that hisb administration remains resolute in addressing infrastructural deficits and economic well-being of the people.
The Governor who assured the people that “This is just the beginning of what is to come”, revealed that his government has already earmarked for reconstruction the long-overdue Enugu-Port Harcourt road link from Leru to Lekwesi, Lokpanta, and Lokpaukwu road.
He disclosed Government’s intention to rehabilitate other critical instructor in Umunneochi LGA and directed the Commissioner for Works to inspect the Nmam Bridge so as to commence rehabilitation.
“Your request for Government attention on other difficult road stretches across several communities in the local government, I have been duely noted.
“Within the limits of available resources, we shall continue to appropriate funds and support the transportation of people and goods across the Local Government.
“My assurance to our traditional leaders and President General of Town Unions is that no Community in Umunneochi and within the State at large shall be left behind in our accelerated development framework”, he assured.
Governor Otti who further disclosed major plans to boost the economic growth in the area, announced that Umunneochi has been selected as one of three locations for a Multi-Billion Naira Agro-Industrial Processing Facility, aimed at transforming the agricultural landscape of the State.
He said that the facility, designed to integrate Production, Aggregation, and Processing of key Agro Commodities, will also feature an Independent energy ecosystem to support industrial operations.
The Governor used the opportunity to call for unity among Political and Community leaders and stressed that development must not be hindered by partisan politics but should be focused on sustainable development and prosperity for all.
He reassured the people of Umunneochi that they remain a priority in his administration’s development blueprint adding that his focus to bring democracy dividends to all parts of the State.
In their goodwill message, the Minister of state for Labour, Mrs Nkeiruka Onyejeocha and the Member Representing Isuikwuato /Umunneochi Federal Constituency, Chief Amobi Ogah describing the road project as a unifying factor for the entire Umunneochi people and thanked Governor Otti for coming to their rescue.
They appealed to the Governor to consider the reconstruction of the Uturu road linking Umunneochi to enable them access Isuikwuato from Umunneochi without passing through Imo state in addition to the fixing the Nmang Bridge in Umunneochi LGA.
In their remarks, the Member Representing Umunneochi State Constituency Chief Mathias Umeh and the Commissioner for Lands and Housing Mr Chaka Chukwumerije, said that the Mbala -Umuaku -Ngodo road is strategic to the economy of Abia state and other South Eastern States.
Earlier,in an address the Commissioner for Works Mr Otumchere Otti while noting that the area harbours agrarian Communities that produce different types of Agricultural products in commercial quantity such as cashew, Cassava,yams and black beans, said that the road construction will open up the Communities for greater economic opportunities.
He noted that the road when completed will bring about growth in Agribusiness and provide direct and indirect employment for both skilled and unskilled manpower as well as impact positively on the State’s Internally Generated Revenue.
He disclosed that the project has a contract period of 12-months, adding that provision has been made for culverts and drains with street lights at built up areas and expressed optimism that the contractor will deliver in accordance with set standards.
