Steve Oko, Umuahia
Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has called on residents and host communities along the Aba–Azumini highway to take ownership of the newly rehabilitated road and guard it against destructive practices, particularly the burning of tyres.
The agency said preserving the integrity of the road is critical to sustaining the benefits of the intervention, warning that misuse could quickly return the highway to its former deplorable state.
Speaking during an inspection tour, the South-East 2 Zonal Director of FERMA, Suleiman Mohammed Omonowo, emphasised that community cooperation is key to protecting public infrastructure.
He noted that the road, once notorious as a death trap, has now been restored to a safe and motorable condition, easing movement for commuters and boosting economic activities along the corridor.
“This project is for the benefit of the people. It is important that communities take responsibility for protecting it. Acts like burning tyres on the road will only damage what has been achieved,” he said.
Omonowo expressed satisfaction with the quality of the rehabilitation work, pointing to drainage structures, including strategically constructed catch pits, designed to manage water flow and enhance the road’s durability.
Highlighting the importance of the route, he described the Aba–Azumini highway as a major link connecting Aba to surrounding communities and extending into Cross River State, making it a critical artery for commerce and transportation.
He also urged local contractors to step up performance and deliver projects that meet high standards, enabling them to compete effectively with foreign firms.
In his remarks, the Federal Roads Maintenance Engineer in Abia State, Festus Okafor, praised the peaceful conduct of residents, noting that the project was executed without incidents of harassment.
He attributed the smooth operation to the stable environment in the state, while encouraging continued support from communities to safeguard government infrastructure.
FERMA stressed that protecting the road is a shared responsibility, warning that neglect or misuse could undermine the investment and deprive users of its long-term benefits.
The project is being financed through SUKKUK.
