Road infrastructure is considered vital on the list of development indicators in a state, region or country-often a major yardstick to judge the availability or lack of governance that has been responsive to the people particularly within the Nigerian context.
Abia in the past suffered significant, glaring neglect in many areas deployed in judging human development index and this is more so in the road infrastructure sector across the length and breadth of the state.
The two major cities of Aba and Umuahia the state capital has experienced a deteriorated road infrastructure network to the extent that for most visitors, coming into any of these two cities is a nigthmare they would rather avoid while for residents, it is a nightmare they have lived in for nearly two and half decades.
Little wonder then that when Dr Alex Otti, governor of Abia State was sworn into office, one of the sectors he declared a state of emergency in was infrastructure because the governor in his wisdom as an astute administrator and management expert came to the conclusion that without a functional infrastructure, Abia state will not experience economic revitalisation and the talk of development for the state will remain just mere talk without effect.
Without adequate and functional infrastructure specifically good road network, local businesses will not thrive and investors can not be attracted from outside of the state to come to Abia. The fallout from prevailing poor road network is all too glaring for everyone to see in Umuahia and particularly in the commercial hub of the state, Aba.
Before now, Aba had the enviable status of hosting multinational companies and large scale manufacturers alongside gifted local artisans and fabricators, producing a variety of finished goods while employing many skilled and unskilled labour earning Aba the sobriquet the Japan of Africa. Back then, the road infrastructure was decent and supported these large and medium scale manufacturers – Life was indeed good in Aba.
Then came the locust years lasting nearly 30years.
The Drive by Dr Alex Otti, governor of Abia to revive the economy of the state is pivoted on infrastructure renewal for Aba the commercial hub of the state and Umuahia the capital.
The flag off of the much anticipated reconstruction of the iconic Portharcourt road in Aba finally came on Thursday the 12th of October 2023 to the delight and thunderous applause of city residents and people of good will from all over the region and beyond.
And to ensure the reconstruction work stands the test of time, a reputable civil engineering firm Julius Berger is saddled with the responsibility of handling this project which though not the first road project since coming to office but has become the flagship of the road revolution currently sweeping through the state under the visionary leadership of Dr Alex Otti.
In his speech at the flag off which he termed “standing on the solid rock of excellence”, Dr Otti reminded listeners that after he was declared winner of the guber elections in Abia by INEC, he paid a visit to Portharcourt road on the 27th of April to ascertain first hand the scope of work to be done on the road and in the governors company was the head of Nigerian civil engineering giant, Julius Berger indicating that governor Otti intended to hit the ground running because that which was before him was an enormous task.
Prudently, the governor began with road infrastructure in Aba after declaring a state of emergency because the city as a commercial hub is the proverbial goose that lays the golden egg for the state and therefore should be well treated after successive administrations neglected the city leaving it in a rot for a long time.
While focusing attention on Aba, Umuahia the state capital was not neglected. The recent flag off of the reconstruction and expansion of the Micheal okpara square – Ossa road after due consultation and compensation to those affected by the project- is a testament to a government with a human face.
With the speed gear on to revamp infrastructure in Aba, several road reconstruction jobs have already been delivered. Shalom road is delivered and in good use, cemetery road is delivered and Emelogu road is also done. Ready for commissioning are the reconstructed Udeagbala road, Jubilee road, Umuimo road and old express road.
And all of this was achieved within 4months of Dr Alex Otti being in office, a remarkable feat and heart warming signs of many good things to come.
It must be noted that the governor insists that all roads reconstructed must be adorned with street lights to make them safe for motorist at all time.
Outside Aba and Umuahia, other roads are being reconstructed or surveyed to be given diligent attention soon. The Ndi okereke- ozuabam- arochukwu road is to be procured soon while the Umuahia ozuakoli-arochukwu road is being surveyed for attention.
Portharcourt road is the icon of the rebuild Abia initiative of the current administration in the area of urban renewal. Residents of Abia and even outsiders have welcomed the courageous move by the government to tame the monster of infrastructure deficit as it were and make Portharcourt road motorable and habitable again.
Awarded at a modest 30billion Naira cost and a contract delivery period of 18months, even naysayers have had to swallow their misgivings and applaud the reconstruction drive of the 6.7km driveway. It is noteworthy to mention that sections of the road would be expanded from four to six lanes to accommodate more traffic going into the future.
For those who have made up thier narrow minds not to see anything good in the concerted effort of the state government to change the narrative in Abia, they are advised to have a change of heart or they may perish before we get to the promised land.
Definitely Abia is on the move to the promised land – the heavens have endorsed it and the Moses of our time leading the way is the committed and dedicated Dr. Alex Chioma Otti-OFR- Governor of Abia state