Gov. Otti Kicks Off Reconstruction of 3.5-Km Osisioma-Ekeakpara Industrial Road

Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti has reaffirmed his commitment to restoring Aba’s economic glory as the commercial nerve of Abia by kicking off the reconstruction of the 3.5-kilometer Osisioma-Ekeakpara Road.

Governor Otti emphasised the importance of rebuilding the road that connects the intersection under the Osisioma flyover to the Osisioma Industrial Layout, stating that his vision is to make Aba the world’s industrial and manufacturing hub.

According to Kazie Uko, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Otti stated that the reconstruction of the Osisioma-Ekeapkara Road is part of his administration’s strategic agenda to create many access roads into and out of Aba, decongest traffic, and increase economic opportunities for the people.

The Governor stated that the collapse of the Osisioma-Ekeakpara Road signalled the start of Aba’s decline following decades of neglect by previous administrations. According to him, this resulted in job losses, lower returns for investors and multinational corporations, and an exodus of entrepreneurs and businesses that had previously thrived along the corridor.

“We have come together to continue our consistent efforts to restore the old glory of this city after decades of ruin caused by willful neglect, crass irresponsibility, and a pathetic failure to recognise Aba’s full significance to the economic health of the State, the country, and the West African Subregion.

“For decades, Aba was associated with trade, commerce, and industry; however, it was more. This city altered the economic fates and fortunes of numerous individuals and communities.

“For many of us who witnessed the magic of this city growing up, the deterioration of the last two decades and a half has been nothing short of heartbreaking, and this has emboldened us to ride in unison 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 most likely be a marathon race to reclaim our land and rebuild it in such a way that those who come after us will be proud to continue the transgenerational task of keeping this city alive to its age-old promise of growing tiny seeds into giant trees,” the Governor stated.

According to Governor Otti, the road, which will be completed in 12 months, will create new opportunities for investment and growth while also serving many road users, including those travelling to other major cities such as Owerri and Onitsha.

The Governor directed 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,” warning that any form of compromise would result in severe consequences.

He urged citizens, landlords, and business owners to contribute to the city’s restoration by paying their taxes and following environmental regulations, adding that actions that jeopardise the free flow of rairainwaterll no longer be tolerated, as a task force has been formed to combat illegal dumping of refuse.

Earlier, while ensuring that the road project would be completed on time, the Commissioner for Works, Engr. Otumchere Oti stated that during construction, the concrete pavement would be overlayed with a 50mm thick asphaltic concrete wearing course, reinforced concrete drains on both sides of the road, with surfa2-kilometre-longed through a 2-kilometre-long drainage system, and street lights would be installed to illuminate the entire length of the road.

He stated that the Ministry of Works will provide extensive supervision to ensure adherence to specifications and urged the public to care for the road and avoid activities that could jeopardise government efforts.

In their respective remarks, the member representing Osisiomangwa North State Constituency, Mr. Fine AhuaMr and the Mayor of Osisioma LGA, Chief Chinemerem Nweke, while thanking Governor Otti for his decision to reconstruct the road, noted that the road is of great economic importance to the Aba business community because the area houses many industries.

They listed the MCC, Umueze, and Umuimo, among other strategic roads that have received a facelift under the current administration, and assured the contractor that they will provide all necessary support for the project’s timely completion.

Also speaking, a stakeholder in the area and former ICAN President, Sir Chidi Ajaegbu, stated that the people of Osisioma and all of Abia are proud of Governor Otti’s administration because he has transformed Abia into a massive construction site in less than a year, noting that the reconstruction of the Osisioma-Ekeakpara Road, which has been deplorable for more than 25 years, will resurrect dead companies in the area.

Mr. Uzo Okeke, the project’s contractor, expressed gratitude to Governor Otti for revalidating the company’s road contract and promised to complete the project on time and within the job specifications.