Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, Launches Ambitious Reconstruction of Abandoned Port Harcourt Road

ABA/Nigeria: In a momentous event on Thursday, Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, initiated the reconstruction of the long-neglected Port Harcourt Road, a pivotal artery with vast potential for the economic and social rejuvenation of Aba, the bustling commercial hub of Abia.

The Port Harcourt Road, originally constructed during the tenure of the late Sam Mbakwe (between 1979 – 1983) in the former Imo State, had once been a thriving epicenter of economic activities. However, it has deteriorated over the past two decades due to neglect by successive administrations.

Governor Otti, during the launch of this ambitious project, titled his speech “Building On A Solid Rock Of Excellence.” He expressed his unwavering commitment to restoring the road to its former glory and enhancing its economic viability.

He remarked, “I’m glad that we are taking yet another strategic step in fulfilling one of my major campaign promises, which is to permanently break the jinx of Port Harcourt Road, Aba, and revive the long-abandoned economic activities along this corridor.”

He further delved into the road’s history, saying, “Dee Sam’s vision gained a foothold almost immediately as this stretch of road became a major hub for the servicing of heavy-duty vehicles, equipment, spare parts, power generating sets, and ancillary tools.” Governor Otti explained how this corridor had once been a bustling destination for maintenance engineers, procurement officers, and contractors working for multinationals in Port Harcourt, bringing prosperity to Aba.

However, in the mid to late 1990s, the road’s decline began, followed by abandonment in the 2000s. Governor Otti lamented, “Nothing seemed to work thereafter. In time, the businesses, including those that had their corporate headquarters around here, began to disappear, finding more favorable locations.”

The reconstruction of the Port Harcourt Road, a 6.8-kilometer stretch, is aimed at reviving its economic significance. According to the Commissioner for Works, Engr Otumchere Oti, the road comprises 5.7 kilometers from the beginning of Port Harcourt Road by Ngwa Road to the end at the intersection with the Enugu-Umuahia-Aba-Port Harcourt Expressway by Alaoji, with an additional 1.1 kilometers from the intersection with Ngwa Road to the junction of Azikiwe Road by Asa Road.

The project includes expanding the 5.7-kilometer stretch from four lanes to six lanes with lay-bys and drainage, and reconstructing the 1.1-kilometer corridor as a four-lane carriage with lay-bys and drainage. The entire road will be marked and fitted with solar-powered street lights.

Governor Otti emphasized the importance of the reconstruction, noting that it was not a political gesture but a holistic effort to restore the road’s durability and economic significance. He pointed out that the expertise of Julius Berger Plc, a renowned civil engineering company, was enlisted to ensure the highest quality.

He said, “We have brought Julius Berger here for some well-defined reasons: to do a holistic job of fixing the road, addressing the age-long flooding problems, and ultimately see to it that, with very minimal maintenance at regular intervals, this road shall continue to support businesses and their activities for at least another twenty years.”

The Governor highlighted the potential impact of this project, stating that it would drive the economic rejuvenation of Aba and create a conducive environment for businesses to thrive, generate jobs, and reduce poverty.

Dr. Lars Richter, the Group Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria Limited, pledged to deliver the project based on specifications, commending Governor Otti for his commitment to the state’s infrastructural transformation.

The event, attended by a massive crowd of supporters, admirers, and dignitaries, including the Deputy Governor, Engr Ikechukwu Emetu, wife of the Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, national and state legislators, and captains of industry, marked a significant milestone in the revitalization of Aba’s economic landscape.