Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, has commissioned the reconstruction of the long-neglected 30-kilometer Arochukwu-Ndiokereke-Okobo-Ozuabam Road.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony held at Amuvi, Arochukwu Local Government Area, Otti highlighted his administration’s commitment to improving infrastructure and enhancing the living conditions of citizens. He emphasised the importance of road rehabilitation in fostering economic development and expanding opportunities for both rural and urban communities.
“As a government that made a covenant to bring succor to the people after many years of frustrations, we knew that road construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance must be made major priorities long before we took our oath of office,” Otti affirmed.
The governor stressed the strategic significance of the Arochukwu-Ndi Okereke-Ozuabam road, noting its role in connecting agricultural zones to urban areas.
Lamenting over the deplorable state of the road, Otti said:
“Farmers in rural communities found it difficult to move their produce to the markets leading to heavy post-harvest losses. Most painfully, businessmen and women from different parts of Nigeria and the West African sub-region who had relied on markets in Aba for supplies quickly took their patronage to other places.”
He emphasised that the reconstruction project aims to boost agricultural output, create job opportunities, and curb rural-urban migration.
According to Otti, over 30 road projects are concurrently underway in the state. He assured taxpayers that civil engineering firms with proven track records were selected to ensure optimal value for money.
“Our most important consideration is to extract commensurate value for every kobo of taxpayers’ money spent,” he said.
The reconstruction of the Arochukwu-Ndi Okereke-Ozuabam road, scheduled to be completed in 12 months, will revitalise the agricultural and allied business ecosystem in the Arochukwu and Ohafia LGAs. The project will feature a road design with specified dimensions to enhance durability and safety, including asphaltic concrete shoulders, culverts, drains, and streetlights in built-up areas.
Stakeholders and traditional rulers from Arochukwu Local Government expressed gratitude to Governor Otti for addressing the longstanding issue of neglected infrastructure. They commended his administration’s commitment to promoting social and economic development in the region.
The initiative has also received commendation from various quarters, including former governor and Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, who praised Governor Otti’s dedication to infrastructural development in Abia State.
“In continuation of his commitment to the infrastructural development of Abia State, the state Governor, Dr Alex Otti @alexottiofr, yesterday flagged off a strategic 30.1 km of road, the Arochukwu-Ndi Okereke-Ozuabam road. This very road had been abandoned for about 40 years”, Obi said.
With the commencement of the road reconstruction, hopes are high for improved connectivity and prosperity in Arochukwu and its environs.
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