Otti preps for action in Abia State

PETER OKORE, Umuahia

In preparation for the task ahead, the governor-elect of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, has undertaken a critical tour of some of the roads in Abia with a view to having a first- hand knowledge of the work to be done, in line with his electoral promises of addressing the problem of dilapidated and decaying infrastructure to the people of Abia.

Consequently, the governor-elect on Wednesday took a team of engineers from the Julius Berger construction company and some reporters on an inspection tour of the dilapidated and neglected 5.9km Port Harcourt Road in Aba, the Enyimba City. The road stretches from Number One Ngwa Road- junction to Ala-Oji Motor spare parts market.

In the two hour long trek, the entourage along with the engineers, also examined the federal government abandoned World Bank Assisted Water Projects, conspicuously located along the abandoned road.

Addressing newsman after the long-trek, Spokesman for the governor- elect, who was part of the inspection team, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma explained that the inspection of the Port Harcourt Road, among others, by the team of engineers, was a prelude to the formal award of contracts for the construction and re-building of roads in the state, which will kick-off after the swearing-in ceremony, on May 29, 2023.

Ekeoma noted that the involvement of quality contractors to handle roads and infrastructural projects in Abia , was part of measures by the in- coming Otti’s administration to change the narratives in the state, over 30 years since it was created.

Abians have applauded this move by the governor-elect, saying that it is an indication that Dr Otti is ready to work, which has raised the hopes of most people.

According to Mazi Franklin Okafor, a trader at the Ala-Oji Motor spare parts market, “For long we have been neglected by previous governments, despite the huge taxes we pay. It is gladdening to know that at last someone has come to our rescue. We can now heave a sigh of relieve. God bless our governor-elect, Dr Alex Otti.”