Otti starts rebuilding two major roads in Aba after years of neglect

Abia State Governor Alex Otti is kicking off the reconstruction of Uratta Road and Old Express Road in Aba. These two important roads have been in bad shape for years, affecting transportation and businesses in the area.

In a statement released on Wednesday by the governor's media aide, Ferdinand Ekeoma, work on the roads had already started before the official flag-off.

Roads left to decay for over twenty years

The two roads are vital for Aba's trade and industry. Uratta Road connects many streets to Port Harcourt Road, while Old Express Road is a key route in the city’s industrial area.

Mr Ekeoma shared that these roads have faced neglect for over 24 years. Some parts are now impossible to pass, forcing residents and businesses to deal with tough transportation issues.

Uratta Road gives access to more than 100 streets. Its bad state has hurt residents, traders, and small manufacturers who rely on it to move goods and reach their businesses.

The statement explained that the road has become flooded and overgrown with weeds, making it hard for motorcycle and tricycle riders to use it.

Old Express Road’s poor condition has also made it difficult for truck drivers, fabric sellers, spare parts dealers, and small businesses. They have to take longer routes, which raises transportation costs and lowers productivity.

Government aims for economic growth

The Abia State Government says rebuilding these roads is part of a bigger plan to fix Aba’s infrastructure and boost the city’s economy.

Aba is a major commercial hub in southeastern Nigeria. It has many manufacturers, markets, and small businesses that need good roads to transport goods.

The government believes that fixing these roads will improve access to markets, lower transport costs, make it easier to move goods, and help businesses along these routes.

Mr Ekeoma pointed out the reconstruction of Port Harcourt Road as part of the administration's infrastructure program. He claimed that better road access has helped shops reopen, attracted more manufacturing, and raised property rents in the area. Still, the statement did not provide independent data to back this up.

The government also mentioned that these new projects will add to other road works in Aba, including Ohanku and Obohia roads, to enhance connectivity in the commercial city.

Projects will include drainage and streetlights

Besides rebuilding roads, the administration plans to include drainage systems, solar-powered streetlights, and pedestrian pathways. They say these projects are necessary for safety, accessibility, and managing floods.

Mr Ekeoma stated that Governor Otti sees infrastructure development as essential for economic growth, not just construction. He believes better roads will help businesses run more smoothly and create jobs.

He also mentioned that the governor said at a church event earlier that his administration is now focusing on healthcare, education, technology, and industrialisation, in addition to improving roads.

The governor has made fixing Aba’s roads and public infrastructure a key part of his administration’s goals, believing that reviving the city is crucial for boosting economic activity across Abia State.