‘Era of Dubai road over in Abia’, Gov Ikpeazu declares
. Commissions roads in Aba, threatens to fire Works, Environment Commissioners
By Steve Oko
Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State, has declared that the era of “Dubai” (poorly executed) road projects was over in the state.
The Governor who made the declaration Monday while commissioning the 2.3 kilometer Osusu Road rehabilitated by his administration, said it was better to construct few but durable roads than build many cheap roads that would collapse shortly after they were inaugurated.
He explained that he decided to build quality road infrastructure with rigid cement pavement technology as a solution to perennial road failures.
” If we fail to deliver infrastructure that will outlive our government, we will have robbed the people”, the governor declared, assuring that each of the roads he built will last for at least 30 years.
Ikpeazu who vowed to deliver only quality projects said Abia would witness infrastructural revolution in the remainder of his tenure.
The governor also commissioned the 2.7 kilometer Egege/Ebenma Road Ogborhill, and inspected the 1.2 Milverton Road, 1 kilometer Ojike by Milverton, and the 4 kilometer Eziukwu Road completed and awaiting commissioning.
During the visit, Gov. Ikpeazu also flagged off the reconstruction of Omuma Road.
The governor described the roads as very strategic for the economic recovery of the state, adding that commercial activities cannot thrive in Aba if the roads remain a nightmare.
According to him, the decision of his administration to embark on massive road rehabilitation in Aba is aimed at gradually reducing the infrastructural deficit of the commercial city.
He promised not to relent in improving infrastructural development across the state, saying that the only true way Abia could witness freedom is by putting in place the necessary facilities that could fast-track development.
Butressing the economic importance of Osusu Road in particular being the major link road between Aba metropolis and the Ariaria International Market, Ikpeazu recalled that in 2014 when the road was impassable, economic activities in the Enyimba City were almost grounded.
He said that it was for that reason that his government decided to reconstruct the road to give the people a new lease of life.
The Governor urged residents to protect the road and the drainages, warning that attention might not come to any vandalised public property any time soon.
Gov. Ikpeazu threatened to sack his Commissioner for Works, Elder Bob Ogu; and his Environment counterpart, Barrister Tony Nwamuo, if within four weeks, they failed to mobilise “at least ten earthmoving equipment for serious construction works at Ngwa Road”, which he said must be delivered.
Commissioning the roads, the Apostolic Nuncio and Head of the Vatican Diplomatic Mission to the Caribbeans, Catholic Archbishop, Most Reverend Fortunatus Nwachukwu commended Ikpeazu for his developmental strides in the state.
In their separate remarks, member representating Aba North at the State House of Assembly, Hon. Aaron Uzodike; and Commissioner for Works, Bob Ogu called on residents to protect the roads and take responsibility of defending the facilities made available for them.
They applauded Governor Ikpeazu for the infrastructural developments of Aba.
Speaking earlier, the Chairman, Aba North LGA, Prince Chimehilaura Ikonne; and his Aba South counterpart, Clinton Ebere, all commended Ikpeazu for giving Aba a face lift, and promised to replicate his good works in their various councils.
Adding their voices, the President, Aba Chamber of Commerce, Sir Lawrence Obetta; a member, Aba Landlords Association, Chief Jerry Kalu; a resident, Mrs Fine Alison; and Geoffrey Ike-Nwateacher, all applauded Ikpeazu for intervening in the infrastructural challenge of Aba.
Similarly, the foremost traditional ruler of Aba, HRM, Eze Isaac Ikonne, commended Ikpeazu for his resolve to rebuild Aba, saying it takes an Aba indigene to fix Aba.
The contractor that handled Osusu road project and Managing Director, Eckleen Integrated Services, Engineer Uzoma Onuoha, assured that the road would last for at least 30 years.
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