When On Thursday, 12 October, 2023, Abia Governor Dr. Alex Otti flagged off the commissioning for the total reconstruction of the Port Harcourt Road in Aba Metropolitan City, the entire residents of the great Enyimba City shared a common feeling of joy, anticipation of an emerging good road networks and great hopes of economic recovery fro the ruins of the last twenty four years of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) misrule.
Furthering his re-introduction of hope for the Aba public and the Abia citizenry, Dr. Otti even apologized to the victims of the Port Harcourt Road experience who lost their businesses, livelihoods, buildings and suffered associated damages in the past twenty years, promising them that at the end of every dark tunnel, there is always light.
Governor Otti made it clear that at the completion of this major road project in estimated record time, Aba residents, businessmen and women, Abians and other Nigerians will begin to re-live the former Aba experience of limitless technological cum economic possibilities epitomized by the famous Port Harcourt Road Aba, where the gospel of copy technology is made real round the clock all year round.
According to to Dr. Otti, the road was originally built by Dee Sam Mbakwe, former Governor of old Imo State and a visionary leader who foresaw its potential to facilitate the growth of the oil industry in Port Harcourt and its impact on the economy of Aba. Mbakwe’s foresight paid off as the road became one of the busiest and most prosperous parts of Aba, attracting engineers, contractors and bussinesses from Port Harcourt and beyond.
Governor Otti further said “However, over the years, it suffered from neglect and decay, forcing many businesses to relocate and causing a huge loss of revenue and opportunities for our people.
To restore this road to its former glory and to revive the economic activities along this axis, we have decided to entrust this project to one of the most reputable and experienced civil engineering companies in Nigeria, Julius Berger Plc. The contract will last for a period of eighteen (18) months and we are confident that they will deliver a high-quality and durable road that will serve us for many years to come.
I must also acknowledge some young men and women who have kept vigil on the ground since Julius Berger Plc started moving their equipment there. I salute their energy. We expect that on completion, the reconstructed Port Harcourt Road will drive the economic rejuvenation of Aba, and send a clear message to the businesses that had left that the Elephant is back on its feet, never to stumble again.