Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti has vowed to restore the commercial city of Aba to its glory days.
Otti made the vow Wednesday while flagging off the reconstruction of the 3.5 km Osisioma-Ekeakpara Road located in the Osisioma Industrial Layout, Aba.
The road which has been in deplorable condition for years, leads to the Nigeria National Petroleum Company, NNPC, Depot Osisioma.
Speaking during the ceremony, Governor Otti who emphasised the significance of rebuilding the road, stated that his dream is to make Aba the industrial and manufacturing hub of the world.
He said that the reconstruction of the Osisioma-Ekeapkara road was part of his administration’s strategic agenda to create many access roads into and out of Aba, decongest traffic and increase the windows of economic opportunities for the people.
Otti lamented that the collapse of the Osisioma-Ekeakpara road marked the beginning of Aba’s decline after decades of neglect by past administrations which led to loss of jobs, financial losses for investors and multinationals as well as the exodus of industrialists and businesses that once thrived along the corridor.
“We have come together in continuation of our consistent efforts to restore the old glory of this city after decades of ruin orchestrated by willful neglect, crass irresponsibility and a pathetic failure to appreciate the full significance of Aba to the economic health of the state, the country and the West African Sub region.
“For decades in the world, Aba was synonymous with trade, commerce and industry but it was more; this city transformed the economic destinies and fortunes of many individuals and communities.
“For many of us who saw the magic of this city growing up, the deterioration of the last two decades and a half have been nothing but heartbreaking and this emboldened us to rise in unism to resist the jackals who profited selfishly from the ruins of this great city.
“We said enough and refused to back down until we achieved the first leg of victory in what will likely be a marathon race to take back our land and rebuild it in a way that those coming after us will be proud to continue the trans-generational task of keeping this city alive to its age old promise of growing tiny seeds into giant trees.
According to Governor Otti, the road which would be completed in 12 months, would open up new opportunities for investment and growth in addition to serving many road users including those going to other major cities of Owerri and Onitsha.
The Governor mandated the Commissioner for Works and his team “to be strict in their supervisory responsibility and ensure that nothing short of the highest standards of materials are used at every stage of the reconstruction process” and warned that any form of compromise would be punished severely.
He called on citizens, landlords, and business owners to play their part in the city’s restoration by complying with tax payments and environmental regulations adding that actions that threaten the free flow of rain water will no longer be tolerated as a task force has been set up to curb illegal dumping of refuse.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Works, Engr Otumchere Oti while assuring timely completion of the project, said that overlaying concrete pavement with a 50mm thick asphaltic concrete wearing course, reinforced concrete drains on both sides of the road, with surface runoff directed through a 2-kilometer-long drainage system as well street lights to illuminate the entire length of the road, would be adopted during the construction.
He said thee Ministry of Works will provide thorough supervision to ensure adherence to specifications and urged the public to care for the road and avoid activities that could undermine government efforts.
In their remarks, the member representing Osisioma Ngwa North State Constituency, Mr Fine Ahuama and the Mayor of Osisioma LGA Chief Chinemerem Nweke while thanking Governor Alex Otti for the gesture, noted that the road is of great economic importance to the Aba business community as the area houses many industries.
They listed the MCC, Umueze, Umuimo among other strategic roads that have received a facelift from the present administration, assuring that they will give the contractor all necessary support for the timely completion of the project.
Speaking also, a stakeholder in the area and former ICAN President, Sir Chidi Ajaegbu, said that the people of Osisioma and the entire Abia people were proud of Otti’s administration.
He noted that the Governor had within the period under review turned Abia into a huge construction site, noting that the reconstruction of Osisioma- Ekeakpara road which has been deplorable for more than 25years will resurrect dead companies in the area.
The Contractor handling the project, Mr Uzo Okeke who appreciated Governor Alex Otti for revalidating the road contract with the company, promised to deliver the project on a record time and in line with the job specifications.
