WE WILL BUILD ROADS THAT WILL OUTLIVE OUR TENURES –ABIA GOVERNOR

Abia and Ebonyi States are to collaborate in commerce, industry and other critical areas of interest to fast-track economic development of the two States. This was the outcome of a working visit of Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State to Abia State. The visit to Abia State by the Governor and members of the State Executive Council is in line with the resolve of the South-East Governors’ Forum at a recent meeting to share ideas for the overall wellbeing of the region.

Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, led his Ebonyi State counterpart to project sites, including Abia Pilot Mushroom Farm, poultry, Abia Investment House, on-going construction of flyover at Osisioma, as well as various road project sites in Umuahia and Aba, where Governor Umahi commissioned the reconstruction of the 5.7 kilometre Port Harcourt road which had been impassable for 16 years in spite of its economic importance.

Governor Umahi said he was aware of the environmental challenges of Aba and commended the Abia State Government for the use of quality contractors in the execution of projects. Governor Ikpeazu, described the road as a strategic gateway to auto spare parts market, Alaoji and other important markets and pledged that concrete pavement technology would be used on the road to ensure durability.

This he said was in consonance with the resolve of some South East governors to build roads that will outlive their tenures and stand the test of time.

Dr Ikpeazu explained that funds would be released to the contractor in three tranches upon supervision and expressed his determination to reposition the commercial city for increased business activities. Abia State Commissioner for Works, Chief Eziuche Ubani said the road would be expanded into six lanes with bus and taxi lanes to ease the movement of vehicles He solicited the co-operation of Aba residents in realizing the project.

Some traders in an interview said they had suffered for too long due to the poor condition of the road and commended the State Government for remembering them. The road is expected to be completed in the next 18 (eighteen) months.

CHINEDU ANYASO