By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom
Umuahia, Sept. 27, 2023
Gov. Alex Otti of Abia on Wednesday flagged off the expansion of the 3.5 km-Ossah Road, Umuahia from four to six lanes.
The project, which takes off from the Abia Tower on the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, terminates at the Okpara Square, Umuahia.
Speaking on Wednesday during the event held at the Okpara Square, in Umuahia, Otti said that the project was initiated in line with the resolve of the government to provide critical infrastructure that would facilitate the achievement of its rebuilding agenda.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the road project would stretch from Okpara Square to Abia Express Tower.
The governor said that the road would be constructed with high structural standards, with drainage systems and side walks on both sides with approved stone base.
“The specifications will include a 200-millimeter base and a 40-millimeter wearing course, among other requirements” the governor added.
He said that the government had plans to execute more developmental projects in Umuahia while the six lane road expansion project work would continue from Abia Tower to the Onuimo axis of the state.
Otti said; “The other good news is that by the time you get to the Tower from here, we would have completed this phase.
Also, the contract for the road will continue beyond the Tower to Onuimo and it is going to be the same specifications; six lanes with walkways and drainage system”.
The governor assured that the project would enhance the aesthetics of Umuahia and establish its rightful status as the capital city of the state.
According to Otti, challenges were encountered in reaching the milestone of commencing the project but noted that the state government had thoroughly conducted the necessary assessments to avoid exposing the citizens to undue hardship.
Otti, also, said that the demolition of buildings to give way for the road expansion had commenced in earnest and the funds for the payment of compensation to the affected 130 claimants were secured before the commencement of demolition ahead of the expansion work.
He said that plans were also underway to kickstart the rehabilitation of Imo River-Owerrinta, Umuene, Obikabia, Ukaegbu, Ikot Ekpene, and Aba Roads, in a bid to decongest Aba and improve vehicular movement in the city.
Otti expressed confidence in the capabilities of the construction company while describing it as a reputable international firm capable of successfully delivering the project in record time.
The governor thanked the traditional rulers of communities in the area for their support in advancing the government’s plans to successfully execute the road expansion project.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Works, Mr. Don Oti, said that the project marked another milestone in the present administration’s timeline of infrastructural development.
The commissioner said that the project would be the first six lane project in Abia state, saying that the Governor has by this move etched his name on the annals of history.
The Commissioner said that the approved stone base specifications for the road project includes a 200-millimeter base and a 40-millimeter wearing course, among other requirements.
“This is the highest structure of any road you can find in this country and we believe that this road is going to stand the test of time,” he said.
