Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has flagged off the reconstruction of two major roads in Aba, promising to complete the projects within 24 months or less to ease transportation difficulties and boost commercial activities in the city.
The roads are the 3.095-kilometre Uratta Road and the 3.955-kilometre Old Express Road, which the governor said had suffered neglect for more than two decades.
Otti, who announced the commencement of the projects after the flag-off ceremony, said funding for all phases of the reconstruction had been secured, while the contractor, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), had mobilised equipment to the sites.
He said the projects would go beyond road reconstruction to incorporate modern infrastructure designed to improve safety, drainage and traffic management.
According to the governor, the projects will feature proper drainage systems, streetlights, bus stops and clearly marked road lanes.
He explained that Old Express Road would be reconstructed as a dual carriageway linking Port Harcourt Road to Faulks Road, while Uratta Road would be rebuilt as a single carriageway connecting Port Harcourt Road to the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway.
The projects form part of the Greater Aba Road Infrastructure Restoration Programme under the Abia State Integrated Infrastructure Development Programme (ABSIIDP).
The initiative is supported by development partners, including the African Development Bank, the Islamic Development Bank and the Canadian Climate Fund.
Otti expressed confidence that the reconstruction would end years of hardship for residents, commuters and business owners who depend on the roads for their daily activities.
He said the intervention was part of his administration’s broader effort to restore Aba’s position as a major commercial and industrial centre in the South-East and the wider region.
The governor also expressed appreciation to supporters, well-wishers and residents who attended the flag-off ceremony, describing their turnout as a demonstration of collective commitment to rebuilding the city.
He urged residents and business owners along the affected corridors to cooperate with the contractors and fulfil their civic obligations to ensure the smooth execution of the projects.
Otti said the reconstruction marked another step towards revitalising Aba, popularly known as Enyimba City, and restoring its reputation as a hub of commerce and industry.
He expressed optimism that the completion of the roads would improve connectivity, facilitate the movement of goods and people, and create a more conducive environment for businesses to thrive.
