By Val NDUKA
In a bid to improve the standard of living and create conducive transport system with accessable roads, Governor State Alex Otti, of Abia State has flagged off the reconstruction of the dilapidated 6.8 kilometres Port Harcourt Road, Aba, hitherto abandoned for over 15 years by successive administrations in the state.
Former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu worsen the situation after his administration demolished hundreds of structures it termed as illegal on both sides of the road but vehemently failed in concerted efforts to rehabilitate and cushion the attendant sufferings on the road.
The road, which is one of the major gateways to the Enugu-Port Harcourt expressway from the commercial centre of the state, is one of the legacies of the late former governor of old Imo State, Sam Mbakwe.
At flag off ceremony, Gov. Otti, said, ” This project is not a mere political gesture for short-term benefits, but a holistic effort to restore the road’s durability and economic significance.”
Governor Alex Otti, asserted, “I am glad that we are taking yet another strategic step in fulfilling one of my major campaign promises which is to permanently break the jinx of this road.”
Adding,. “Am partly fulfilled that my administration had reached another milestone in what had been a very long process which started after my victory on March 22, 2023.”
However, the governor promised to complete the payment to the construction firm handling the project on schedule to avoid any setbacks as the project has a delivery timeline of 18 months.
In his remarks, the group managing director of the firm, Lars Richter, said, “We promise to execute the project according to specification and it’s another milestone for the four months old administration.”
Lars Richter commended Otti for his commitment to infrastructure reforms in the state and thanked him for choosing his firm to be part of his rebuilding and restructuring agenda.
