Residents and traders in Aba South Local Government Area of Abia State erupted in jubilation on Wednesday as Governor Alex Otti officially flagged off the reconstruction of the long-abandoned Uratta Road and Old Express Road in Aba.
The ceremony, which attracted residents, political stakeholders and community leaders, was attended by the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Ihuoma Emeruwa, who described the projects as another demonstration of Governor Otti’s commitment to transforming the infrastructural landscape of Aba.
The two roads, which have remained in deplorable condition for decades, have subjected residents, traders and motorists to severe hardship, particularly during the rainy season.
Speaking at the ceremony, Speaker Emeruwa described the commencement of the projects as a promise fulfilled, noting that the governor had assured residents that no part of Abia State would be abandoned to infrastructural decay.
According to him, residents along the affected roads had endured years of flooding, with rainwater frequently entering homes and disrupting economic activities.
“In the past, residents within this axis suffered greatly, especially during the rainy season. Floods overrun people’s houses whenever it rains. However, the governor was notified of this persistent menace. Gov. Otti assured that under his watch no part of Abia shall be ceded to dilapidation and neglect,” Emeruwa stated.
The Speaker expressed confidence that the reconstruction would provide lasting relief to residents, adding that the roads were being designed to remain durable for decades.
He commended Governor Otti for prioritising critical infrastructure and urged the people of Aba South to sustain their support for his administration.
Emeruwa also used the occasion to declare his support for Governor Otti’s re-election bid in 2027, assuring him of the backing of his constituents and expressing confidence in the electoral prospects of Labour Party candidates.
Speaking on behalf of the people of Aba South Constituency, the Speaker thanked the governor for responding to the longstanding infrastructural challenges confronting the area.
In his address, Governor Otti described the reconstruction of the 3.1-kilometre Uratta Road and 3.95-kilometre Old Express Road as the final phase of the first stage of his administration’s Greater Aba Road Infrastructure Restoration Agenda.
The governor recalled his 2023 campaign message, “Weep no more, help is on the way,” explaining that it was not merely a political slogan but a commitment to restoring the dignity, economic strength and infrastructure of Abia State.
Otti lamented the years of infrastructural neglect that forced several business owners to abandon Aba, resulting in job losses, declining economic activities and increased insecurity.
He noted that roads such as Port Harcourt Road, Ohanku Road and Obohia Road, which had previously suffered years of neglect, had received attention under his administration.
According to the governor, his administration’s intervention extends beyond road construction to the rehabilitation of schools, healthcare facilities and the restoration of regular salary and pension payments to workers and retirees.
He described the flag-off ceremony as both symbolic and sobering, explaining that while it marked another milestone in Aba’s infrastructural renewal, it also served as a reminder of the economic opportunities lost through years of neglect.
Governor Otti assured residents that the era of abandoned road projects in Abia State was over, stressing that his administration would not commence projects without making adequate financial provisions for their completion.
He disclosed that funding for both roads had been fully secured, assuring residents that the projects would be executed without unnecessary delays.
The governor further announced that the reconstruction contracts had been awarded to the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), with a completion timeline of 24 months or less.
He assured residents that visible improvements would begin immediately as construction activities commence.
The reconstruction of the two roads is expected to improve transportation, address persistent flooding challenges, boost commercial activities and provide relief to thousands of residents and business owners within Aba South and surrounding communities.
The projects form part of the Otti administration’s broader efforts to restore Aba’s reputation as a major commercial and industrial hub in Nigeria.
