RAAMP COMMENCES 19.1KM ROAD IN ABIA COMMUNITIES

REPORTER: PEACE AGBO

Federal Government, in collaboration with the World Bank, French Development Agency (AFD) and other stakeholders say they are committed to addressing rural infrastructure challenges in Nigeria.

The National Coordinator, Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project, (RAAMP), Mr. Aminu Bodinga Mohammed, announced this during the groundbreaking of a 19.1Km World Bank-supported road scheme cut across Obingwa and Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Areas of Abia State.

Mr. Mohammed, represented by the National Communication officer, RAAMP, Dr. Vivian Amadi, noted the critical role rural roads play in improving agricultural value chains and standard of living for rural dwellers.

Mr. Mohammed encouraged all stakeholders to maintain the highest standard of transparency, and accountability while executing the project to enable it to stand the test of time.

In a speech, Governor Alex Otti announced that the state government had paid N600 million counterpart funding for RAAMP, stressing he approved the release of additional N2.6 billion to ensure timely execution of the project.

According to the Governor, the 19.1km stretch of road is only the pilot phase of RAAMP in the State and expressed gratitude to the World Bank team in Nigeria for their support to this Project.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Mrs. Ngozi Blessing Felix, explained that the construction of the road was in fulfillment of the present administration’s commitment to address infrastructure challenges confronting Abia State residents.

While noting that the road is expected to be delivered within eighteen months, the Commissioner said the road, when completed, would connect farmers to markets and improve their wellbeing.

Some of the beneficiaries of the Itungwa-Mgboko-Amaise-Amairi-Omoba-Ahiaba-Nkwo-Elechi Road including, Mr. Azodo Chukwuma, Mr. Azubuike John and a traditional ruler, Eze Bid-Onuigbo Nwaogbo, all expressed gratitude to Governor Alex Otti for constructing the long abandoned road that connected them to the urban area.

They pledged to take ownership of the road construction for quick delivery.

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU