From Premium Times Nigeria · Saviour Imukudo · · 3m
Otti flags off reconstruction of two key Aba roads
Abia State Governor Alex Otti starts rebuilding Uratta Road and Old Express Road after 24 years of neglect.
In brief
Abia State Governor Alex Otti starts rebuilding Uratta Road and Old Express Road after 24 years of neglect. Abia State Governor Alex Otti began reconstruction of Uratta Road and Old Express Road in Aba, two roads neglected for over 24 years that disrupted commerce and transportation. Originally reported by Premium…
Otti flags off reconstruction
Abia State Governor Alex Otti begins reconstruction of Uratta Road and Old Express Road in Aba after 24 years of neglect.
Roads abandoned for 24 years
Uratta Road and Old Express Road have been neglected for more than 24 years, leaving sections impassable and forcing residents to use difficult transportation conditions.
Uratta Road impacts
Uratta Road provides access to more than 100 adjoining streets and has become waterlogged, discouraging commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators.
Old Express Road impacts
Old Express Road forces heavy-duty truck operators, fabric merchants, and small businesses to use longer routes, increasing transportation costs and affecting productivity.
Government targets economic recovery
The Abia State Government says road reconstruction is part of its effort to restore Aba’s infrastructure and strengthen the city’s commercial base.
Projects include drainage and streetlights
The administration’s projects include drainage systems, solar-powered streetlights, and pedestrian walkways to improve safety and flood resilience.
Otti views infrastructure as economic strategy
Governor Otti views infrastructure development as an economic strategy to help businesses operate more efficiently and create employment opportunities.
Otti remains in Labour Party
Governor Otti, a former banker elected in 2023 on the Labour Party platform, has remained in the party despite Peter Obi’s defection.
Roads critical for commerce
The two roads are considered important to Aba’s commercial and industrial activities, with Uratta Road connecting to Port Harcourt Road and Old Express Road serving as a key industrial route.
Reconstruction part of broader plan
The road reconstruction complements other road interventions in Aba, including work on Ohanku and Obohia roads to improve connectivity.
Otti shifts focus to healthcare
![National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. [PHOTO CREDIT: Official X handle of Mr Ribadu | https://x.com/NuhuRibadu/status/1706387205881581715?s=20]](https://i0.wp.com/media.premiumtimesng.com/wp-content/files/2024/02/Nuhu-Ribadu-NSA.jpg?w=1883&ssl=1)
Governor Otti has shifted attention from basic infrastructure improvements to healthcare, education, technology and industrialisation.
Government targets economic recovery
The Abia State Government says the reconstruction will improve market access, reduce transportation costs, facilitate goods movement, and support businesses along affected corridors.
Port Harcourt Road example
The government cites Port Harcourt Road reconstruction as an example that encouraged shops to reopen, attracted manufacturing activities, and increased property rents.
No independent data provided
The statement did not provide independent data to substantiate claims about improved economic activity from road reconstruction.
The main idea
Abia State Governor Alex Otti began reconstruction of Uratta Road and Old Express Road in Aba, two roads neglected for over 24 years that disrupted commerce and transportation.
