Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
It was celebration galore in Abia State as Gov. Alex Otti, flagged off the construction of the iconic Omenuko second bridge.
A narrow bridge across the Igu River has been dilapidated, posing serious threat to motorists and commuters while a new bridge started many decades ago had been abandoned.
Flagging off the project at Ozuabam in Arochukwu LGA, Governor Otti said that “though the bridge is located on a federal road, his administration was committed to working for the people not minding whether such projects belong to federal or state government.
He said: “This project like has been said here time and time again is supposed to be a Federal project. Yes, a lot of people reached out to me just like the House of Representatives member recalled.
“What we are doing as a government is that anywhere that we see that work needs to be done, we don’t wait for people to ask us, we begin to do the work. You can be sure that your government which is a very responsible government will attend to them,” Gov. Otti stated.
Governor Otti explained that his government missed out the project in 2024 with a thought that the bridge has been awarded by the Federal Government.
“The first thing that happened was that we missed out this bridge from the 2024 budget and the reason is simple.
“We thought that the bridge had actually been awarded as claimed by some of our brothers but unfortunately, on further enquiry, we found out that the information was not correct. So, we now started struggling with the adjustment of the budget and virement and we have just been successful with it.
“One thing that is clear is that before we start any project, we already have plans to fund that project. I am glad to report to you today that the money that is required to complete this road project is sitting somewhere waiting,” Gov. Otti assured.
He directed the Commissioner for Works to adjust the delivery period of the project from one year to 9 months, saying that he had some conversations with the contractor handling the project, who assured that he can deliver within 9 months.
Governor Otti announced the approval of reconstruction of the Abam ring road and establishment of primary healthcare centre in Abam community as requested by the President General of Abam Development Union.
“On the two requests that you made. The information available to me prior to this time is that there was at the minimum one primary healthcare centre in every ward but today, I know better.
“As we speak, we are renovating Primary Healthcare Centres in the State. As I leave now, I’m going to call the Honourable Commissioner for Health to start making arrangement to set up a healthcare centre in this community.
“The second request that you (Abam PG) made, on the Abam ring road, well I’m happy to report that we have gone ahead of you. We have already scooped the ring road. One part of it is 7 kilometres, the other part is 16 kilometres, that’s a total of 23 kilometres and I have in the last three weeks instructed the Honourable Commissioner to procure the road and award them to two contractors. So, in the next few weeks, you will see work start on the Abam ring road from the two ends.”
Speaking also, the Member representing Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency Hon. Ibe Okwara Osonwa, member representing Arochukwu State Constituency and majority leader, Hon. Uchenna Okoro and the Rector of Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, Dr. Okoro Kalu Christopher said that they are happy over the bold step taken by Governor Otti to reconstruct Omenuko bridge and described him as a performing Governor.
They regretted that the colonial bridge had remained in bad shape for many decades, while successive politicians from Arochukwu/Ohafia Constituency have always deceived people with their fake campaign promises and saluted Governor Alex Otti for his resolve to break the age long jinx associated with the bridge.
In his address, the Commissioner for Works, Engr. Otumchere Oti disclosed that the legendary Omenuko bridge being reconstructed is a 45-metre length and 8 metres width and would be completed within one year. He said that at completion, it would guarantee high level of safety for users and strengthen social connectivity.
He said that the bridge which is on a federal road links Abia North and Abia Central zones and thanked Governor Alex Otti for embarking on the project that has been a major campaign gimmick to politicians.
Also, the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Kenneth Kalu, extolled the doggedness of Governor Alex Otti in flagging off the total reconstruction of Omenuko bridge. He said that the Omenuko bridge has historical significance for the people of Abam and highlighted the benefits of fixing the bridge.
Earlier, the President General Ozuabam Development Union, Captain Chibuike Usim, said that the bridge is a historic one constructed over 70 years ago and that despite promises of politicians for decades, it remained untouched but has continuously weakened.
He said that many communities depend on the bridge for access to their villages and appreciated Governor Otti for his decision to fix it and described it as a testament to the administration’s commitment to developing rural areas while assuring the Governor and assured of their sustained support to Governor.
He said that the Abam ring road is in bad shape informing him also that the Abam community lacks primary healthcare centre.
