Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti has flagged off the reconstruction of sections 1 and 2 of the Onuinyang-Okporoenyi-Oboro-Ikwuano 13.9 kilometres road built in 1952 during the colonial era.
During the ceremony at Central School, Okporoenyi, Bende local government area, Otti promised that the road, which connects the central and northern zones of the state would be completed on schedule.
He said on completion, the road would be of great gain to the benefiting communities and also grow the economy of the state as the communities are known for their agricultural potentials.
“It will, on completion, facilitate the regular transport of people and agricultural commodities, fastrack intercommunity trade and broaden social interaction among individuals, families, and clans,” he noted.
Otti described his intervention in the road as a demonstration of the fidelity of his administration as he had earlier vowed that no single community in the state would be neglected in provision of infrastructure.
Commending the people for their resilience in sustaining their farming activities despite the challenges the road posed over the decades, he assured that this year will mark a turning point for residents of the state.
Also speaking, the member representing Bende South constituency in the State House of Assembly, Hon Emmanuel Ndubuisi, lauded the governor for his resolve to fix the road, which he described as very strategic to the area.
In a remark, the commissioner for Works, Engr Otumchere Oti said the project is an asphaltic concrete road with covets and drains as well as solar streetlights installation.
The commissioner, who explained that the sections are being handled by different construction firms, assured that the projects would be completed within six months.
In their respective comments, the mayors of Ikwuano and Bende local government areas, Dr Anthony Nwaubani and Deacon Uwabunkeonye Bassey respectively said the road would boost the economy of their areas.
In their comments, traditional rulers of the communities, Eze (Engr) Ossy Iromantu, Okporoenyi autonomous; Eze (Prof ) Innocent Ezeala, Ibe Uzo Amawom -Oboro; and Chief Sunny Chigbu of Nkalunta saluted Otti for the project.
