Abia State Governor Dr Alex Otti has flagged off the reconstruction, expansion and dualization of the 5.95 kilometres Onuimo – Abia Tower off Peace road.
Also flagged off was the reconstruction of the long abandoned 6.92 kilometres Umuokpara ring road all in Umuahia South LGA.
Speaking while flagging off the two road projects on Wednesday, Governor Otti said the Onuimo – Abia Tower off Peace road would be expanded to a 4 – lane dual carriageway to not only reduce road accidents but create a boom in the economy of the people.
He said that the concern of his administration was to ensure that every road leading to Abia State is put in a good shape irrespective of whether it is a Federal or State road.
He thanked the Federal Government, particularly the Minister of Works, for the necessary approvals and used the medium to warn criminal elements around Umuahia South that the area would be hot for them.
He urged the people to cooperate with the contractors to enable them deliver accordingly.
“My assurance is that we shall work closely with the contractor, Kremburg Nigeria Limited, to keep to the specifications. This project has been set up to be a landmark undertaken by administration because we are not just going to reconstruct the road as it is presently. We shall expand it to a four-lane dual carriageway in order to accommodate the heavy vehicular traffic.
“Beyond drastically reducing the number of accidents and the attendant losses in human lives and property, this project will create a boom in the palm oil value chain and other economic advantages associated with this part of the state,” he said.
Speaking also, the Commissioner for Works, Engr. Otumchere Oti assured that at completion, the roads would provide a good driving experience for commuters. He said solar powered street lights would be installed on the roads and disclosed that the contract period for the Onuimo-Abia Tower road is 18 months while that of Umuokpara ring road would take 12 months.
The Mayor of Umuahia South LGA, Hon. Chinedu Enwereuzo, President General, Umuopara Development Union, Chief Emenike Onuoha thanked Governor Otti for the good work at the area and Umuahia South LGA and assured him of their unalloyed support.