Abia State governor, Dr. Alex Otti on Wednesday, flagged off the 6-lane expansion of the Ossah-Umuahia road, the major entry into the State capital, Umuahia.
Otti, while speaking during the flag-off of the project, hinted that the 6-lane expansion might be extended to Onuimo junction, Abia State border with Imo State.
The governor explained that the road expansion is intended to check traffic jam during festive period and upgrade the status of the capital city.
He also assured that issues bordering on the road design and settlement of those whose structures were affected by the project have been resolved.
The governor added that the Craneburg Construction Company, which won the contract, is a reputable international organization, assuring that it will deliver the job on time.
“It has been difficult getting to this stage of the flag-off of this road. We had to settle all issues that came right from the conception of this project before we came to flag off.
“The money for the payment of compensation is ready and the owners of the 130 building that were affected have started receiving their monies, while those who have not received their own may be as a result of some bureaucratic hitches will get theirs soon.
“I know the engineers handling the project will want to finish it on time, but before they get to the express tower, we would have concluded agreement to
In his speech the Commissioner for Works in the state Engr. Otumchere Oti, commended the governor for his steadfastness for the project to go on.
He disclosed that the road will have six lanes with drains and walk ways on both sides.
In their responses, some traditional rulers from the community, Eze Iheanyichukwu Ezeigbo and Eze Chiabuotu Emelike, commended the governor for the project, adding that their subjects are delighted that the government has remembered them.
They said: “The road expansion is very laudable, the people of Ossah are happy because we believe that the expansion of the road will attract development and improve the beauty of our community.
“Our people demanded for compensation and the government has started paying some, and we believe the governor’s assurances that all those whose structures will be affected by the road expansion will be compensated.”