By: Imo Thomas -Umuahia.
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has commissioned 14 New Road projects rehabilitated by his administration across Aba and its environs and said that hope has been restored in the new Abia.
Speaking at St. Joseph’s College (CKC), Asa Triangle, Aba, on Tuesday, after he had stopped over and commissioned the projects at different points and junctions, Governor Otti described the projects as a celebration of a new epoch in Abia State.
Governor Otti said that the commissioning of the chains of interconnected roads speaks to his urban renewal agenda and commitment to the holistic restoration of the Aba urban corridor.
“We have gathered together in celebration, not of roads, but of a new epoch. While we rejoice at what we have been able to accomplish in the last two years in the area of road infrastructure and the opportunities that have been created,
“The real accomplishments should be seen in terms of the hopes that have been restored, dreams we have revived, and the collective stories we have created for our children and children’s children.
“The Umode, Bakassi, Enyimba Junction to Ariaria Gate, Isu ihiteukwa street, and other stretches of roads within Aba have been fixed to generally improve the business environment, elevate our urban experience, and add to the appeal of the communities around here.
“Because roads do not just create paths to new opportunities, they also restore ancient landmarks.
The Governor, who noted that his grand vision is to make Abia a model State, promised to fix the water challenge of the St. Joseph’s College, Aba and called on residents of the newly fixed roads to protect them, stressing that, he expects them to take more than a passing interest in seeing that the roads are not destroyed through commercial activities or neglected as well as ensure that the environment is kept clean.
He appreciated the business owners, landlords, and residents for their patience and the massive support they gave the engineering team. At the same time, they worked on the different stretches of roads and thanked the Ministry of Works and GADA management for their efforts in achieving the feat.
In his speech, the Director General, Greater Aba Development Authority (GADA), Architect Uche Ukeje, said that the Governor Otti-led administration has always prioritised road infrastructure, hence, he has remained committed to fulfilling his electioneering campaign promises.
Architect Ukeje noted that the Eziukwu ends of the roads fixed in Aba town were nothing to write home about before it was fixed, saying that the 14 roads would help in improving the movement of goods and services sold across Aba markets. He added that the fixing of the roads has equally increased the value of properties located in the areas.
The event featured various presentations made by the students of St. Joseph’s College and pupils of the Daughters of Mary Mother of Mercy Schools, Aba.
