Governor Alex Otti on Wednesday flagged off the expansion of the 3.5km-Ossah road, Umuahia, from four to six lanes.

The project takes off from the Abia Tower on the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway and terminates at Okpara Square, Umuahia.

In a speech at the brief event held at Okpara Square, Mr Otti said the project was initiated in line with his administration’s resolve to provide critical infrastructure that would facilitate the achievement of its rebuilding agenda.

Mr Otti said the project would be constructed to high structural standards, with drainage systems and sidewalks on either side with an approved stone base.

“The specifications will include a 200-millimetre base and a 40-millimetre wearing course, among other requirements,” he said.

The governor further said upon its completion, a fresh contract would also be awarded to the construction firm to extend the dualisation from the tower to the Abia boundary with Imo at Onuimo River.

Mr Otti said, “The other good news is that by the time you get to the tower from here, we will have completed this phase. Also, the contract for the road will continue beyond the Tower into Onuimo, and it is going to be the same specifications: six lanes with walkways and drainage system.”

Mr Otti gave assurance that the project would enhance the aesthetics of Umuahia and establish its rightful status as the capital city. He said challenges were encountered in reaching the milestone of commencing the projects, “but the state government had thoroughly conducted the necessary assessments to avoid exposing the citizens to undue hardship.

Mr Otti also said the demolition of buildings to give way for the road expansion had commenced in earnest and that the funds for compensation to 130 owners had been secured.

“The payment of compensation has commenced, and if you have not received your own, just be patient. It could be due to bureaucracy,” Mr Otti said to owners of the affected buildings.

Mr Otti said plans were also underway to start the rehabilitation of Imo River-Owerrinta, Umuene-Obikabia, and Ukaegbu-Ikot Ekpene roads in a bid to decongest Aba and improve vehicular movement in the commercial city.

(NAN)