Gov. Alex Otti of Abia on Thursday flagged off the reconstruction of 6.8km-Port Harcourt Road in Aba to enhance the economic prospects of the state.
Speaking during the occasion in Aba, Otti described the reconstruction of the road as another strategic step in fulfilling his campaign promises and reviving the long-abandoned economic activities in the area.
The governor said that he was determined to ensure that on completion, the road would further drive the economic rejuvenation and transform Aba into investors’ haven.
According to him, the entire stretch of Port Harcourt Road formed a major hub for the servicing of heavy-duty vehicles, equipment, spare parts, power generating sets and ancillary tools.
Otti added that this underscored the strategic importance of the road in the achievement of the present administration’s rebuilding agenda.
“For us, Port Harcourt Road, Aba, is not just any other project, it will be a testament of our willingness and determination to rebuild ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated’ as contained in Isaiah 61: 4,” he said.
Otti said that the road had been in a state of dilapidation for two decades, adding that the project was an indication that the patience and commitment of Aba residents to genuine change had paid off.
He urged the citizens to be optimistic and expectant of quality road infrastructure from the present administration and added that the days of mediocrity were over.
Otti said: “For the purpose of clarity, we are not just talking about pouring asphalt or doing any haphazard job just for cheap political capital.
“We have brought Julius Berger here for some well-defined reasons: to do a holistic job of fixing the road, addressing the age-long flooding problems especially at notoriously problematic points using appropriate technology and expertise.
“We shall ultimately see to it with very minimal maintenance at regular intervals.
“This road shall continue to support the existing, new and returning businesses and their activities for at the very least, another 20 years, post-commissioning.”
He said that the government worked closely with the team from Julius Berger to ensure that the technical design and specifications adopted answered all the important questions regarding durability, reliability, flood control and other critical parameters.