Business and Commercial activities have gradually returned back to life in one of the major Central business districts of Aba, the commercial hub of Abia state as Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has commissioned the newly completed quadruplet cluster roads of Eziukwu, Milverton, Ojike and Chisco Link roads in the city.
The roads had hitherto remained impassable for years while business and commercial activities within the area were grounded to a halt with severe dire economic consequences to the state, traders and business communities within the area.
Commercial banks and luxury transport owners were the worst hit during the days of dilapidation as some commercial banks moved base to more viable locations.
Speaking while Commissioning the roads which are part of his Kinetic Abia Project,Governor Ikpeazu in-company of the Moderator and Prelate of the General Assembly, Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, the Most Rev Nzie Nsi Eke, noted that the roads are strategic to the socio economic development of the state.
Governor Ikpeazu who recalled that the roads had been deplorable for the past 20 years said Cement Pavement Technology was deployed in constructing the roads, adding that the roads have a life span of thirty years.
He said his administration embarked on the construction of Eziukwu Road to create access to the popular Eziukwu road market which he said is very strategic to
The Governor requested that gointog forward, those doing cement business in Ojike lane should henceforth relocate to alternative markets such as Uratta and other areas mapped out for such business by the state government.
He warned that Government will not tolerate any act capable of reducing the life span of the roads.
Ikpeazu said: “You all know how these roads had been since 20 years ago.
It’s longevity depends on you ( residents).
“However, our government will not stand and watch anybody destroy the roads with his selfish enterprise”.
Governor Ikpeazu therefore directed TIMASS and ASEPA to immediately set up a waste management task force involving business owners in the areas to work towards prosper management of the roads to ensure its longevity.
The Commissioner for Works, Elder Bob Ogu, in his remarks commended Governor Ikpeazu for his infrastructural revolution in Abia, adding that the roads are of high standard.
While noting that the roads are located at Central Business District of the commercial city, Ogu said they will enhance the economy of Aba and called on residents to protect the roads and desist from acts capable of destroying it.
Also speaking, the PDP State Chairman, Rt. Hon. Asiforo Okere, Commissioner for Agriculture, Prof. Ikechi Mgboji and his Industry counterpart Chief Mrs. Uwaoma Olenwengwa appreciated the good works of the Governor and said that if there is a time to live and do business in Aba, it is now as the Governor is currently fixing the infrastructural deficit of the City.
In their speeches, the Chairman Aba Landlords Association and former Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Acho Nwakanma, the President of Aba Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (ACCIMA), Sir Lawrence Obetta, Access Bank Manager in the axis, Mr. Jude Eze Ezugwu,representative of business men, Prince Ahamefula Ikonne, Chairman, luxurious Bus Owners, Chief Jerry Ani, RTEAN Chairman Azubuike Asuzu and Mrs. Antonia Ugoji expressed delight at the massive road infrastructure put in place by the Ikpeazu administration pointing out that this is the first time Eziukwu Road and its adjoining roads are passable.
According to them, their assets before now were lacking in value owing to the deplorable state of the roads adding that with the commissioning of the quadruplet cluster and other road projects in Aba by the present administration, “the glory of Aba has been restored”.
They assured Governor Ikpeazu of their continued support to the programmes and polices of his government.
The state Commissioner for Information,Chief John Okiyi Kalu, in an interview with National Ambassador said” the state government will continue to do roads as a way of giving back to the people.
“What Governor Ikpeazu is doing is to fix socio economically important roads in Aba and Abia state as a way of injecting life into small and medium scale enterprises, industrialization and ensuring that the agenda to move Abia forward continues that is why it is called Kinetic Abia project.
“Abia is moving forward and will continue to do so”.
tog forward, those doing cement business in Ojike lane should henceforth relocate to alternative markets such as Uratta and other areas mapped out for such business by the state government.
