Abia State Governor Alex Otti has flagged off the reconstruction of Uratta Road and Old Express Road in Aba, promising that both projects would be completed within 24 months or less.
The roads, measuring 3.1 kilometres and 3.95 kilometres respectively, are part of the state government’s broader efforts to rehabilitate critical infrastructure and restore Aba’s commercial activities.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, Otti said the projects represented the final phase of the first stage of the city’s road infrastructure restoration programme.
He described the reconstruction as a major step towards addressing years of neglect, which he said had affected businesses, livelihoods and economic activities in the commercial city.
According to the governor, the deterioration of road infrastructure in Aba had forced some business owners to relocate, resulting in job losses, reduced commercial activities and a decline in the city’s reputation as a regional commercial and industrial hub.
Otti also linked the poor state of infrastructure to rising insecurity, arguing that deteriorating urban conditions had created opportunities for criminal activities, including armed robbery and kidnapping.
He recalled that his administration, upon assuming office in 2023, made a commitment to rebuild critical infrastructure and restore public confidence in the state.
The governor said the reconstruction of other roads, including Port Harcourt Road, Ohanku Road and Obohia Road, demonstrated the administration’s efforts to address longstanding infrastructure challenges.
He assured residents that the Uratta and Old Express roads would be completed within the stipulated period, adding that the necessary funds had been secured to prevent delays.
Otti said the construction company, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), had been mobilised to site with engineers and heavy-duty equipment ahead of the commencement of work.
He expressed confidence in the contractor’s capacity to deliver the projects, citing its experience in executing major infrastructure projects in the state.
The governor also urged the contractor to engage local workers and patronise businesses within the host communities to ensure that the projects generate economic benefits for residents.
He explained that the two roads were being reconstructed under the Abia State Integrated Infrastructure Development Project (ABSIID), launched in July 2025.
According to him, the initiative is a long-term development partnership involving the Abia State Government, Federal Government, African Development Bank (AfDB), Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and Canadian Climate Fund (CCF).
Otti commended the development partners for supporting the projects, noting that efforts to secure funding for the initiative began before his administration but were eventually concluded under his government.
He acknowledged that construction activities could cause temporary inconveniences for residents and businesses along the affected corridors.
However, he said the project team had been directed to establish regular communication with stakeholders to address concerns and ensure public safety throughout the construction period.
The governor called on residents, landlords and business owners to cooperate with the contractor and project team, assuring them that appropriate construction and resettlement procedures would be followed.
He also urged the ABSIID implementation team to sustain its efforts to ensure the successful delivery of the projects.
Otti encouraged residents to remain united in supporting the state’s development, pay their taxes when due and report suspicious activities to security agencies.
He expressed optimism that the completion of the roads would improve movement, support businesses and contribute to the restoration of Aba’s commercial standing.
