Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The Governor of Abia State, Dr Alex Otti, has re-stated his commitment on the early delivery of all on-going road projects in Aba.
Otti who gave the assurance weekend during project inspection, expressed satisfaction with the progress of work on Port Harcourt Road, being handled by Julius Berger.
The Governor said he was satisfied with the quality of work done by the construction giant, assuring that some of the roads would be inaugurated before the rains set in.
Addressing a mammoth crowd of enthusiastic residents who trooped out to receive him during the road inspection, Otti said that the New Abia had begun.
Some of the on-going projects include Port Harcourt Road, Old Court Road, Ndoki Road and Omuma Road.
The crowd chanted solidarity songs in support of the Governor, saying that Abia has never had it so fine.
Otti told the crowd that he had been assured by Julius Berger that the very strategic Port Harcourt Road would be ready for use by December 2024.
At Omuma Road, the Governor said the road will be dualised and will link the Old Express Road, Cemetery and Osusu roads, adding that once the relocation of the electricity line was completed, work on the road would progress.
He urged Aba people to cooperate with the contractors to enable them complete the job on record time. He also admonished the residents on the need to imbibe good sanitary habits.
“We will like to assure you that very soon all these roads will be commissioned for use.The contractor has also told me that you people have been very kind to them, giving them water, giving them drinks and some of you are cooking and bringing to them.This is the way it should be. If you cooperate with government, government will cooperate with you.
“So, one more thing, I will like to plead with our people, because this road has been in disuse for a long time, people have become used to littering everywhere.
“I want to appeal to you in advance because as we complete these roads, we are not going to tolerate the littering. We are providing bins for households, so you will have somewhere to drop your litter and then we will come twice in a day to cart them away,” the Governor admonished.
At Ndoki Road, the Governor promised that the road will be completed before the end of this year.
He said the construction would be done all the way to the Good Morning Market as well down the the Old Court Road and connecting adjoining streets.
Otti disclosed that Ndoki Road project, in addition to a number of other roads in Aba, is being handled through direct labour by the Abia State Ministry of Works and enjoined investors to make haste to invest in Aba to enhance their economic fortunes.
The Governor who took time to ascertain that the technical details as implemented matched the designs, was accompanied by the Commissioner for Works, Engr. Otumchere Oti, and conducted round the sites by contractors handling the various road projects.
Otti had flagged off the 6.8 kilometer Port Harcourt Road Aba towards the end of 2023, amidst encomiums from the people.
