Abia Government Highlights Safety Concerns on Roads Constructed Under Otti Administration
The Abia State Government has voiced apprehension regarding unintended safety hazards emerging on roads that have been reconstructed under the administration of Governor Alex Otti. This concern was articulated by the state Information Commissioner, Prince Okey Kanu, during a briefing with journalists.
Commissioner Kanu detailed that a series of accidents have been reported on these newly improved roads, primarily attributed to speeding vehicles, inattentive drivers, and pedestrians failing to exercise due caution. "With the construction and reconstruction of several roads in Umuahia, the state capital, the safety of some commuters appears to be at risk due to over-speeding," the Commissioner emphasized.
Government Implements Safety Measures
In response to these safety issues, the state government has initiated the installation of speed bumps on selected roads. This intervention aims to mitigate the risk of accidents while preserving the high-quality infrastructure developed within the first three years of Governor Otti's tenure. Commissioner Kanu underscored that these efforts are integral to a broader initiative to beautify Umuahia and enhance urban infrastructure across the state.
To accelerate these projects, the government has approved additional funding. Key components of this urban beautification program include:
- Roadside tree planting and landscaping of public spaces
- Repair and painting of curbs
- Installation of road signs and protective guard wires for newly planted trees
Specific roads targeted for these enhancements include Aguiyi Ironsi Boulevard, Library Avenue, and the stretch from Shoprite through Aba Park.
Ongoing Road Projects and Development Authorities
Commissioner Kanu provided an update on the extensive roadworks underway, noting that direct labour operations are active in 51 locations throughout Abia State. Notable projects include:
- Maintenance and asphalt overlay of the 3.65 km Abiriba Road from Orieagwa Junction to Amaogudu Roundabout
- Construction of the 1.12 km Okpuala-Umuala-Nbawsi Road
- Road development within the Federal Low-Cost Housing Estate in Umuahia North
- The 400-meter Umuogo Road in Ubakala
- The 4.7 km Umuezike-Ofeme Nkpa Road
In total, 29 road projects are currently under contract across the state, with progress being facilitated by favourable weather conditions.
Furthermore, the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA) is poised to commence rehabilitation of internal roads within the state capital. The urban development framework has been expanded with the establishment of the Greater Ohafia Development Authority (GODA), which complements the existing Greater Aba Development Authority (GADA) and UCDA. GODA focuses on extending urban development to Ohafia and surrounding areas in the Abia North Senatorial Zone.
Since its inception, GODA has undertaken strategic road projects to improve connectivity, including:
- The 1.53 km Amaekpu Ring Road in Ohafia
- The 300-meter Ezeukwu Road in Bende
- The 2.35 km Ezera Road in Isuikwuato
- OKoronta Road in Ohafia
- Erosion control works spanning 850 meters in Bende
- Maintenance of the 4.5 km Abiriba-Nkporo Road
- Road projects in Ahuma Abam (Arochukwu) and Umuelem (Umuneochi)
These initiatives reflect the government's commitment to enhancing infrastructure and safety while fostering regional development across Abia State.
