Governor Alex Otti of Abia on Thursday flagged off the reconstruction of 6.8km-Port Harcourt Road in Aba to enhance the economic prospects of the state.

Speaking during the occasion in Aba, Mr Otti described the reconstruction of the road as another strategic step in fulfilling his campaign promises and reviving the long-abandoned economic activities in the area.

The governor said he was determined to ensure that on completion, the road would further drive the economic rejuvenation and transform Aba into investors’ haven.

According to him, the entire stretch of Port Harcourt Road formed a major hub for the servicing of heavy-duty vehicles, equipment, spare parts, power-generating sets and ancillary tools.

Mr Otti added that this underscored the strategic importance of the road in the achievement of the present administration’s rebuilding agenda.

He said the road had been in a state of dilapidation for two decades, adding that the project indicated that the patience and commitment of Aba residents to genuine change had paid off.

The governor urged the citizens to be optimistic and expectant of quality road infrastructure from the present administration and added that the days of mediocrity were over.

Mr Otti said the government worked closely with the team from Julius Berger to ensure that the technical design and specifications adopted answered all the important questions regarding durability, reliability, flood control and other critical parameters.

The governor also said the government had set up a robust financing structure to ensure that payments would be completed on schedule to eliminate any setbacks which could arise from payment delays.

Mr Otti urged Aba residents to offer the contractor and his team the necessary support and cooperation to deliver the project within the agreed timeline.

(NAN)