The Abia State Governor, Alex Otti late Friday, commissioned three roads in Aba with an assurance of his commitment to fulfilling his campaign promises in the state and a vow to change the infrastructure narrative of the area.
The roads are Shalom, Cemetery and Emelogu phase 1, were newly reconstructed with solar street lights and concrete/stone base, all situated at the heart of Aba and have been presenting untold discomfort to Aba residents, particularly during the raining season and have been left abandoned by previous administrations in the state.
Speaking at Shalom road, Otti thanked the contractor, Ferotex Construction Company for “delivering on record 100 days, the first road completed in Aba”, lamenting that Cemetery Roand has not been used in over 20 years.
According to him, ” Aba will not remain the same again “.
Speaking while commissioning Cemetery Road, Otti disclosed, “we have extracted strong commitment that would see work start at Aba-Port Harcourt Road”, stating that his administration will build an ICT innovation park in Aba adding that his administration is partnering with relevant stakeholders to deliver a world-class hotel at Enyimba Hotels, Aba to make the place a global centre for social event and life.
He said that his goal is to turn Aba into a model ecosystem and called for support by citizens and as well as to pay their taxes as at and when due.
He said that his administration has zero tolerance to extortion and warned that violators will be dealt with.
According to him while commissioning Emelogu Road, a water fountain will be installed and further construction from Orji Uzor Kalu bridge will be completed by end of 2023 and expressed his excitement that the construction of the road was flagged off less than two months ago and expressed his happiness that the road was completed with solar street lights.
Otti reassured the people of his commiment to fulfilling his campaign promises, noting that he is investing in road infrastructure as good road network is a huge enabler in economic development.
The Governor assured that he would maintain the confidence the people repose on him said he would develop Aba in line with his campaign promises, explaining that what Aba needs is to open it up with good infracstructure and enabling environment that would support the social and economic lives of the people, which his administration is committed to doing.
In his speech, the Commissioner for Works, Engr. Don Oti said giving adequate attention to road infrastructure is paramount to the Governor Otti led administration as revitalizing the road networks would impact on economic growth and development as well as ease off stress on the citizenry.
He called on the beneficiaries of the of the roads to reciprocate government’s gesture by taking responsibility of keeping the roads free from refuse and drainage blockages, adding that soon, it would be a serious offence to drop refuse in the drains or to repair automobiles or display merchandise on the roads and informed that the necessary legislative frame work to put that to force is being put in place
In their various speeches, the President Aba Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, ACCIMA Chief Jerry Kalu, a resident of Emelogu road, Mr. Uche Okafor who is the proprietor of Evanjane Group of Companies, among others commended Otti for fixing the roads and assured of the sustained support of the Aba community to his administration.
Earlier the contractor who also handled the Cemetery Road, and President, Rock Resources Group, Dr. Ifeanyi Clement Okorie, said the Emelogu Road is stone-based.
Also speaking, the contractor that constructed Shalom road, Afolayan Segun of Ferotex Construction Company said the road’s specification was strictly adhered to in alignment with the transformation agenda of Gov. Otti.
Many residents of Shalom road, including a nurse, Ngozi Ogbonna and a petty trader Chinyere commended Gov. Otti for alleviating their sufferings over 24 years, adding, “Otti may not know the impact of what he has done. Businesses in this area have picked up and the street lights have added impetus to night life in this area”.
At Cemetery, one madam Ginika Orji noted that traders in the area can now hive a sigh of relief, having suffered neglect over the years, adding, ” God bless Otti”.
