Gov. Otti Commissions 14 Roads Across Aba in Major Infrastructure Push

Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti on Tuesday commissioned 14 newly completed roads across Aba and surrounding communities, in a move aimed at improving transportation, easing traffic and supporting economic activities in the commercial city.

The projects, located across Aba North, Aba South and Osisioma Local Government Areas, include Geometric Road, Adaelu Road, Afule Road, Sacred Heart Street, Elizabeth Avenue, Mosque Road, Etche Road, Crystal Park Road and the Nigerian Breweries Ring Road, among others.

Governor Otti said the completion of the road would support industrial growth in the area, noting that several businesses were already springing up along the corridor.

“I was a witness to how bad this road was. If you look to my right and left, you will see industries springing up,” he said.

According to him, the road was reconstructed with asphalt, concrete and stone base, while street lights and road markings were added to improve safety for road users.

He explained that the formal commissioning was delayed to allow contractors complete the installation of street lights and other finishing touches.

“Now that it is finished, it gives me great pleasure, on behalf of the government and good people of Abia State, to commission this road,” he added.

Governor Otti commended officials of the Ministry of Works and the Direct Labour Agency for completing the projects within a short period.

“Just a few months ago, they started this work, and today it is completed for the use of our people. The reward for a good job is more jobs.”

The governor also commissioned the Afule Road bypass project, which officials said would help reduce traffic pressure on the busy Aboewe Road corridor.

As part of the infrastructure tour, Governor Otti also flagged off the construction of the Umuchichi Link Road in Aba to further improve connectivity within the city.

Speaking during the commissioning of the 1.6-kilometre Geometric Road in Osisioma, the Commissioner for Works, Mr. Otumchere Oti, said the road had previously been in a terrible condition and became inaccessible during the rainy season.

“Originally, in the rainy season, this road was completely impassable. His Excellency directed that we should reconstruct the road, and today we have achieved that,” Oti said.

At Adaelu Road in Osisioma, the commissioner said the state government deployed its Direct Labour Agency to rehabilitate the road after years of neglect.

“We repaired all the failed sections and overlaid the entire road with asphaltic concrete. The road is now good for public use,” Oti stated.

The Chairman of the Greater Aba Development Authority (GADA), Sir Ide John C. Udeagbala described the project as a strategic intervention completed in record time and fitted with drainage systems and street lights.

Residents and business owners who witnessed the commissioning expressed optimism that the road projects would improve movement, boost commercial activities and further strengthen Aba’s position as a major industrial hub in the South-East.