By Foster Obi

Picture: Road leading to Abia Tower 

Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti has highlighted the reasons for reconstructing and expanding Abia Tower road.
In his X handle Thursday, the Governor (who has already been tagged by many as ‘Mr. Projects’) wrote: … Yesterday we officially launched the reconstruction, expansion, dualization, and beautification of the approximately 6-kilometer road leading to the Abia Tower of Peace from Onuimo, our boundary community with Imo State.
“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Federal Minister of Works, His Excellency, Engr. Dave Umahi, and his team for their collaboration with our State Commissioner for Works and our team to finalize the technical details of this project.
“The road, though a Federal Road, is crucial to us. We are committed to ensuring that every road within our State is in excellent condition, whether it is a Federal, State, or Local Government Road. Roads are not just infrastructure; they are vital economic enablers, supporting our economy and improving the lives of ordinary Nigerians, whether they are from Abia or any other State.
“I thank the Federal government for granting us the necessary approvals and for their cooperation. We will work closely with Craneburg Limited, the contractor, to ensure the project meets the highest standards.
“The project is not just about reconstruction; it involves expanding the road to a four-lane dual carriageway to accommodate heavy traffic. This expansion will significantly ease the road and traffic congestion often experienced during the Yuletide season and bring numerous economic benefits to this part of the State. Our goal is to provide a safe, pleasant travel experience for visitors coming from Imo State, enhance road safety, improve the aesthetics of the area, and support local businesses and markets.
“Our objectives for this project are multifaceted. By extending Umuahia’s urban boundaries, we aim to create new opportunities for real estate investors to develop modern structures for our growing population. We expect this initiative to foster the growth of a vibrant new community of economically active individuals, benefiting from improved infrastructure and a serene environment.
“I am also pleased to report that our security agencies have effectively countered criminal activities in this area. We will continue to support our officers to ensure the safety of all citizens and those contributing to our State’s development. Abia will always welcome everyone who has something positive to offer”, the Governor noted.