3rd Anniversary: Otti Inaugurates 13 Roads in Aba, flags off Construction of Ring Road

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has inaugurated 13 newly rehabilitated roads in Aba. The Governor also flagged-off the construction of the first phase of the Aba 4.5 kilometres ring-road connecting Osisioma, Aba North and South local government areas of the state.

The inaugurated roads include: Aro Amano – Eke Aro Road, Adaelu Road Osisioma – Aba, Geometric Road, Osisioma; Afule Road, Osisioma; Assemblies of God Church Road, Osisioma; Kingdom Hall Street; Nwogu Ajagba Street, Aba North; Nwala Street, Aba North and Sacred Heart Street,  Aba South.

The rest are Elizabeth Avenue, Aba North; Nigerian Brewery ring Road, Aba North; Etche Road, Aba South; Mosque Road, Aba South and Crystal Park Road, Aba South, while construction of the first phase of Aba ring-road, was flagged-off.

At the various spots where the roads were inaugurated, Governor Otti explained that the road were done to ease traffic congestion within Aba metropolis and improve connectivity to neighbouring states and communities.

He expressed satisfaction with the quality of work done on the roads, which, he said were done in line with specifications.

“Let me also say that this road is not particularly for anybody but Abia citizens. It gives me pleasure to have completed this road (Geometric road).  I was a witness to how bad it (Geometric road) was. If you look to my right and to my left , you will see industries springing up,” Gov. Otti said.

Governor Otti said that the Afule road project in particular, was strategically conceived to divert heavy traffic from the city, especially for travelers with no direct business within Aba metropolis, adding that the road project would provide easier access for commuters traveling to Akwa Ibom State, Cross River State, Obingwa and other parts of the state without necessarily passing through the busy city centre.

“This (Afule road) is a bypass that would reduce the pressure on the Aba-Owerri road. The quality of the road is above standard, lined with street lights and drainage,” Gov.  Otti stated.

For the first phase of the Aba ring road project, which cuts across Umuaduru – Okpulo Umuobo in Osisioma LGA, being handled by the Greater Aba Development Authority (GADA), Governor Otti said that the road is expected to create an alternative route around Aba and support the government’s drive towards urban renewal and economic expansion.

“The whole idea, is to take traffic off Aba Metropolitan City. If you have no business inside Aba, then you don’t have to enter Aba to go to Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Obingwa and other parts of the State. That would reduce the congestion inside the town”, Gov. Otti stated.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Works, Engr. Otumchere Oti said that during the rainy season, most of the roads were completely impassable but the Governor directed that the roads be constructed through Direct Labour and rehabilitated with asphaltic concrete, stone base, drainages , solar street lights and road markings.

Earlier, the Director-General of Greater Aba Development Authority (GADA), Architect Uche Ukeje, said the Aba ring road would significantly reduce traffic gridlock inside the city.