…Promises prudent mgt of Abia resources
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, has flagged-off the reconstruction and dualisation of the 5.5 kilometres Owerrinta-Umuekea Road.
Flagging off the project, which has 18 months delivery period, Otti said that when completed, the dualised Owerrinta-Umuekea Road would create “an inviting experience for road users coming into Abia from the neighbouring states of Imo and Anambra.”
The Governor, who titled his speech, “A Gate Way To The New Abia,” said that never again would bad roads be used to described the State.
“As I promised in the early days of this administration, we came prepared to change many ugly experiences road users coming into Abia from other states usually have. Never again will bad roads be used to describe Abia State,” Gov. Otti declared.
He said that roads are more than just infrastructure but are the foundation of prosperity and enablers of holistic development.
According to him, “For us as a government, the economic transformation of all parts of the State is at the heart of our governance agenda. Road infrastructural development is therefore not just a priority, it is a major yardstick for measuring progress in the stride to reposition Abia as a prime destination for investments,” Gov. Otti stated.
The Governor disclosed that his government does not abandon projects but always ensures that funds are made available before flagging-off of projects.
“What sets us apart as a government is that before we move to any road for a flag-off ceremony like this one, plans must have been made for funds to effectively execute and deliver the project on schedule,” Gov. Otti stated.
He disclosed that the report of the National Bureau of Statistics reviews confirmed that Abia State ranks among few States with zero indebtedness to contractors.
“Abia, I am glad to report now ranks as one of the few States in the country with zero indebtedness to contractors. I did not say this, the National Bureau of Statistics said so.
“This distinction speaks to our prudence in management of public resources and more fundamentally, an end to the days of abandon projects because not only do we make funds available, but we also have systems in place to ensure that we give our roads to competent and tested contractors that have track records of performance,” Gov. Otti reasserted.
He reiterated that he has no distinction between Federal and State roads.
“Although, a Federal road (Owerrinta), as I mentioned last week in Abam, where we flagged-off the construction of the Omenuko bridge, every stretch of road within the boundaries of Abia is of great importance to us. Whether designated Federal, State or Local Government roads at any rate.”
Also speaking, the member representing Isiala Ngwa South State Constituency, Hon. Rowland Chinwendu, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Uzor Nwachukwu and Mayor Isiala Ngwa South, Hon. Chiedozie Nwogwugwu, said that Isiala Ngwa South has never witnessed the kind of infrastructural development it is witnessing under the leadership of Governor Alex Otti.
They thanked the Governor for his commitment to developing Abia State and particularly Isiala Ngwa South and assured him of their support.
In their various speeches, some stakeholders from Isiala Ngwa South including Senator Darlington Nwokocha, Dr Gershion Amuta, Mr. Dannie Ubani, Eze Nelson Nmerengwa appreciated Governor Otti for proving that governance is not a rocket science as well as redefining leadership in Abia State.
They said the Governor had made them proud through his unwavering commitments to fixing road Infrastructures, health, education among others and assured Governor Otti of their continuous support and prayers.
