Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, on Tuesday, officially commissioned work for the first phase of the Aba Ring Road project, designed to ease vehicular movement and also decongest traffic in the commercial town.
Speaking at the ceremony in Aba, Otti said the project formed part of his administration’s efforts to improve road infrastructure and enhance connectivity across the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the first phase of the road stretches up to 4.9-kilometers.
The governor said that the project would be managed by the Greater Aba Development Authority (GADA), a development agency in the state.
According to him, the ring road, when completed, will enable commuters and motorists travelling to neighbouring states, such as Akwa Ibom and Cross River, to bypass Aba city centre with ease.
‘The whole idea is to take traffic off Aba metropolitan city.
‘If you have no business in Aba, then you do not have to enter Aba before going to Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Obingwa and other parts of the state.
‘We conceptualised this project about a year ago, went through the procurement process and got the contract awarded.
‘I am happy that we are starting construction’, Otti said.
He further said that his administration always ensured that work had commenced on any project ‘before officially flagging it off’.
He explained that the project would reduce travel time, boost inter-state trade and economic activities as well as enhance regional integration and accessibility.
Earlier, the Director-General of GADA, Mr Uche Ukeje, said that the first phase of the project would begin from the Umuaduru Junction axis on the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway through Okpulor Umuobo and end at Ikot Ekpene Road.
Ukeje said that the first section of the project would be 11 metres wide and span about 4.9 kilometres.
‘So what this road is supposed to do is that passengers going to Akwa Ibom or other parts do not need to get into the city.
‘They will link this road, get off at Ikot Ekpene Road and continue their journey.
‘Those going to other parts of the city will pass through Okpulor Umuobo and from here, you will be able to get to Aba Sports Club in about 12 minutes, when it is completed’, he said.
NAN reports that thereafter, the governor proceeded to inaugurate several completed roads in the city.
They include the 1.7-km Adaelu Road, 1.6-km Geometric Road, 700-m Afule Bypass, 738-m Nwogu/Ajagba Streets, 1-km Assemblies of God Church Road and 550-m Kingdom Hall Street.
Others are 955-m Nwala Street, 1.1-km Sacred Heart Street, Elizabeth Avenue, 1.5-km Nigerian Brewery Ring Road, 799-m Etche Road, 1.1-km Mosque Road, 960-m Crystal Park Road and 1.72-km Aro Amano-Eke Aro Road.
