Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, on Tuesday commissioned 13 rehabilitated roads and flagged off the construction of the 4.5-kilometre first phase of the Aba Ring Road project, spanning Osisioma, Aba North, and Aba South Local Government Areas.
The exercise, part of activities marking the third anniversary of his administration, covered key roads across Aba, including Aro Amano–Eke Aro Road, Adaelu Road (Osisioma), Geometric Road, Afule Road, Assemblies of God Church Road, Kingdom Hall Street, Nwogu Ajagba Street, Nwala Street, Sacred Heart Street, Elizabeth Avenue, Nigerian Brewery Ring Road, Etche Road, Mosque Road, and Crystal Park Road.
Speaking at different project locations, Governor Otti said the interventions were aimed at easing traffic congestion, improving connectivity, and opening up Aba for greater economic activity and regional access.
“Let me also say that this road is not particularly for anybody but Abia citizens,” the governor said.
Commending the quality of work delivered, Otti expressed satisfaction that the projects were executed according to specification and aligned with his administration’s standards.
“It gives me pleasure to have completed this road (Geometric Road). I was a witness to how bad it was. If you look to my right and to my left, you will see industries springing up,” he stated.
The governor explained that the Afule Road project was strategically designed as a bypass to ease pressure on the Aba-Owerri corridor and redirect traffic away from the city centre.
“This (Afule Road) is a bypass that would reduce the pressure on the Aba-Owerri road,” he said.
“The quality of the road is above standard, lined with street lights and drainage,” he added.
On the Aba Ring Road project, being handled by the Greater Aba Development Authority (GADA), Otti said the infrastructure would serve as an alternative route around the city to reduce congestion and improve movement for commuters traveling to Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Obingwa, and other parts of the state.
“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,” he said.
He further noted that his administration deliberately ensures that contractors commence work before official flag-off ceremonies.
“Before we flag off any project, we ensure that work has started, so I’m happy that we have started construction,” Otti stated.
Commissioner for Works, Engr. Otumchere Oti, said many of the roads were previously impassable during the rainy season but were reconstructed under the governor’s directive using direct labour.
He explained that the roads were rebuilt with asphaltic concrete, stone base, drainage systems, solar streetlights, and road markings, adding that the projects would significantly improve mobility, reduce travel time, and boost economic activities in Aba.
Earlier, the Director-General of the Greater Aba Development Authority (GADA), Architect Uche Ukeje, said the Aba Ring Road project was designed to improve circulation within the city and reduce traffic gridlock.
He noted that the first phase would link key corridors from the project site to Ikot Ekpene Road and terminate at Okpulor Umuobo, enhancing access into and around Aba.
Governor Otti was accompanied by the Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu; Senator Darlington Nwokocha; members of the National Assembly; the Speaker, Abia State House of Assembly and lawmakers; commissioners including the Commissioner for Information; members of the State Executive Council; local government mayors; traditional rulers; clergy; and other stakeholders.
