Governor Alex Otti has made significant strides in improving Abia State’s road infrastructure since assuming office. He has implemented several initiatives aimed at transforming the state’s economic and social landscape. His administration has focused on infrastructural development, healthcare improvements, and economic growth.
Retrofitted roads involve upgrading existing road infrastructure to improve durability, safety, and efficiency. Governor Alex Otti’s administration has prioritized road retrofitting across Abia State, particularly in Abia and Umuahia, leading to significant improvements for residents and businesses. These roads were previously in various states of disrepair. These projects were executed by the Ministry of Works through direct labor, aligning with the administration’s “Zero Pothole Policy.”
Furthermore, in Abia State, a total number of 127 roads have been retrofitted. However, in Umuahia, these roads include patching and maintenance work at Aba Road, Umuahia (Phase II), patching and maintenance work on Otuka Road, Umuahia, palliative work at Olokoro Road, Umuahia, patching and maintenance work on Ikot Ekpene Road, Umuahia (Phase I), patching and maintenance work at Lagos Street, Umuahia, patching and maintenance work within Commissioners’ Quarters Road, patching and maintenance work at Road 2 Low-Cost Housing Estate, Umuahia, palliative and maintenance work at Umuahia-Uzuakoli Road, Umuahia (Ossah Road to Ubani 2nd Gate), patching and maintenance work at Niger Road, Umuahia, rehabilitation of Isieke Road, patching and maintenance work at Enugu Road, Umuahia, patching and maintenance work at Orpet World Bank Housing Estate-Agbama Road, Umuahia, patching and maintenance work at Uwalaka Street, Umuahia, maintenance of BCA Road (from BCA Junction to New Secretariat), Umuahia, patching and maintenance work along Old Umuahia-Ubakala Road, maintenance of Finbarrs Road, Umuahia (Phase I), patching and maintenance work at Asaba Street, Umuahia, patching and maintenance work at Amuzukwu Umuahia, maintenance of Ohobo Road to Uchenna Junction by Aba Road, Umuahia, maintenance of Library Avenue (Bank Road), Umuahia, patching and maintenance work in FMC, Umuahia (road leading to Emergency Ward), maintenance work at Express Tower, Umuahia, patching and maintenance work at Macaulay Street, Umuahia, patching and maintenance of Michael Okpara Auditorium and Ministry of Finance premises, patching and maintenance work at New Road (from Sons of Mary to Stanpol Junction by Aba Road, Umuahia), maintenance of Okigwe Road (from Cooperative to Uwalaka), Umuahia, reconstruction of Sir Nwogu Street, Ehimiri Housing Estate, Umuahia, maintenance of Professor Umezururike Street, Arochukwu, patching and maintenance work at School Road, Umuahia, maintenance of Shoprite Road, Umuahia, Afara Road behind Golden Guinea Breweries, Umuahia, rehabilitation of Factory Road, Umuahia and Spur, reconstruction of 5 internal roads on Ehimiri Housing Estate (Ibe Nwachukw Street, Ukpo Avenue, Hon Matthew Ibe Street, Second Gate and Chizy Iboko Drive, Law Anosike Road beside Golden Guinea Breweries Umuahia), maintenance of Factory Road Extension through Isiama Afara to Afara Technical College Gate, Umuahia, direct labor maintenance of Okpara Avenue with spurs, Eze Desmond Iguguo Road Umuahia (between Okpara Avenue and Factory Road at Wiss Castle Hotel), Okpara Avenue Extension between Okpara Avenue and Factory Road by ABSIIDP, Okpara Road Extension beyond Ojukwu Bunker to Isiama Afara, Eze I. O Kanu Avenue Isiama Afara, Umuahia, Isiama Afara Ring Road to Ukwu Ugba and Lux Mundi University, repair/patching of Nkata Ibeku Road, patching and maintenance of isolated potholes along BCA-Azikiwe and Winners/Ehimiri roads, patching/maintenance works at Ehimiri Housing Estate Ring Road, Umuahia, repair/maintenance of Otu-Uka Road/Ochendu Bypass, patching/maintenance of Amachara Express Road, repair and patching of Umuakakah Nkata Road, patching of some failed sections along Aba Road, repair/patching of Crowther Street, Umuahia.
In Aba, the commercial hub of the state, the government has actively engaged in retrofitting the roads, which facilitates smoother transportation and boosts economic activities. The installation of streetlights on these roads has also improved security and extended business hours.
However, these roads have tremendously improved transportation and accessibility. Commuters now experience reduced travel times and less vehicle wear and tear.
Furthermore, there is a boost in economic activities. Aba, the commercial hub, benefits from better roads, enabling traders, artisans, and businesses to transport goods more efficiently. Markets such as Ariara International Market and industrial clusters now have better road access, facilitating trade and commerce.
These roads have been retrofitted in Aba, the commercial hub of the state. Maintenance repair of Bata to Salad Market Junction, Aba, maintenance repair and asphalt overlay of Jubilee Road, Aba, maintenance repair and asphalt overlay of Queen’s Street, Aba, drain desilting at Azikiwe Road (LHS) Jubilee Road, Hospital Road, St. Michael Road, Pound Road, Park Road, Ngwa Road, Azikiwe by Mosque to School Road, maintenance repair and asphalt overlay of Queen’s Street/part of Ehi Road, Aba, drain desilting of Osusu Road, Umuocham Road to Ukwu Apu, emergency repair of Opobo Junction, Azumini-Obehie Road, patching and maintenance work at Ntigha Mbawsi Road (Phase I), patching and maintenance work at Ntigha-Mbawsi-Nvosi Road (Phase 2), maintenance/repair of Ogbor Hill Bridge to Opobo Road Junction, Aba, clearing of sand refuse traps and repair of bridge abutment washout at Okou Umuobo Water Side Aba, maintenance work at St. Michael’s Road, Aba, maintenance work at York Street to Azikiwe Road, Aba, maintenance work at Mosque Street to Park Road, Aba, maintenance of Onyenweaku Street, Aba, link up East Road to Ngwa Road, Aba, drain and tunnel desilting at Umuocham and Aba Owerri Road, repair of Ama Ogbonna, Mosque by Clifford, School Road by Mosque, Kamalu, Constitution Crescent, desilting of Immaculate Avenue Tunnels, Aba, asphalt overlay of Bata-Railway Crossing, Bata-Brewery Road repairs (up to binder course), repair of Eketa-Obikabia Aba Road, direct labor reconstruction of Old Court Road, Aba, Umuocham Road (Ukwu Apu – OH Expressway), desilting at Umunkpeyi Mbawsi.
The aforementioned retrofitted roads have enhanced safety and security. These roads come with improved drainage systems, street lighting, and signage, thereby reducing accidents and crime rates.
Rural-urban connectivity has become feasible. The reconstruction of rural roads enhances agricultural productivity by ensuring farmers can easily transport their produce to urban markets. In addition, rural isolation is reduced. Accessibility to healthcare and education is unhampered as a result of these retrofitted roads.
Retrofitted roads are the driving force for investment and development. Good roads attract investors in real estate, commerce, and industry, boosting job opportunities. Infrastructure improvements increase the state’s appeal for both local and foreign businesses.
In conclusion, the ongoing road retrofitting under Governor Alex Otti’s administration has significantly improved the daily lives of Abia citizens by enhancing mobility, boosting commerce, ensuring safety, and fostering economic development. If sustained, these efforts will contribute to long-term growth and modernization of the state.
