The Governor of Abia State, Mr. Alex Otti has announced the initiation of the reconstruction of the 11.45km Ntigha-Mbawsi-Umuala Road, which will feature streetlights.
Governor Otti, who disclosed this on Monday noted that the project is scheduled for completion within the next 12 months, and is expected to boost the state’s local economies and create jobs across various sectors, including agriculture, food processing, hospitality, retail, and real estate.
“The road’s strategic location connects it to key regional projects, such as the proposed Abia Airport at Nsulu, the redevelopment of Nsulu Games Village into a modern sports complex, and the renovation of educational and health facilities in Isialangwa.
“Our vision is to leverage the strategic location of these communities to develop new urban centres outside Aba and Umuahia, establishing a network of organized and secure urban communities,” he stated.
According to him, the road upon completion, will reduce travel time from Umuala to Umuahia, open up local markets, and attract shoppers from urban centres seeking fresh, organic agricultural produce.
This, he said, will lead to increased agricultural investments as farmers expand to meet higher demand.
“In honour of the late Chief Jaja Anucha Ndubuisi Wachukwu (Ugo Ngwa), a distinguished Senator of the Second Republic, the first Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the first Nigerian Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, we will also renovate his residence and mausoleum as part of the project. I have directed that the road be extended to his compound, ensuring his legacy is remembered,” the governor revealed.
He expressed his administration’s commitment to sourcing procurement locally in less technical areas, and employing Abia residents to ensure they benefit from the project’s value chain.
He also urged the residents to support the vision by fulfilling their tax obligations, adding that “together, we can build a New Abia.”
