Gov. Alex Otti of Abia State on Tuesday officially commissioned the first phase of the Aba Ring Road project, designed to ease vehicular movement and decongest traffic in the commercial city.
Speaking at the ceremony in Aba, Otti said the project is part of his administration’s efforts to improve road infrastructure and enhance connectivity across the state.
The first phase of the road stretches 4.9 kilometres.
The governor said the project would be managed by the Greater Aba Development Authority (GADA).
According to him, when completed, the ring road will allow commuters and motorists travelling to neighbouring states such as Akwa Ibom and Cross River to bypass Aba city centre with ease.
“The whole idea is to take traffic off Aba metropolitan city. If you have no business in Aba, you don’t have to enter the city before going to Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Obingwa and other parts of the state,” Otti said.
“We conceptualised this project about a year ago, went through the procurement process and awarded the contract. I am happy that we are starting construction.”
He added that his administration always ensures that work has commenced on any project before officially flagging it off.
Otti explained that the project would reduce travel time, boost inter-state trade and economic activities, and enhance regional integration and accessibility.
Earlier, the Director-General of GADA, Mr Uche Ukeje, said the first phase of the project would begin from the Umuaduru Junction axis on the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, pass through Okpulor Umuobo and terminate at Ikot Ekpene Road.
Ukeje noted that the first section would be 11 metres wide and span approximately 4.9 kilometres.
“So what this road is supposed to do is that passengers going to Akwa Ibom or other parts do not need to get into the city. They will link this road, get off at Ikot Ekpene Road and continue their journey,” he said.
“Those going to other parts of the city will pass through Okpulor Umuobo and from here, you will be able to get to Aba Sports Club in about 12 minutes when it is completed.”
Thereafter, the governor inaugurated several completed roads in the city, including:
- 1.7-km Adaelu Road
- 1.6-km Geometric Road
- 700-m Afule Bypass
- 738-m Nwogu/Ajagba Streets
- 1-km Assemblies of God Church Road
- 550-m Kingdom Hall Street
- 955-m Nwala Street
- 1.1-km Sacred Heart Street
- 1.5-km Nigerian Breweries Ring Road
- 799-m Etche Road
- 1.1-km Mosque Road
- 960-m Crystal Park Road
- 1.72-km Aro Amano-Eke Aro Road
