Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has flagged off the construction of a six-lane road project in Umuahia, the State capital, with the aim of facilitating the city’s development.
Simultaneously, the demolition of identified structures along the proposed road has begun.
During his speech at the project’s inauguration, Otti clarified that the road expansion aligns with his administration’s goal of modernizing the state capital into a contemporary urban center.
He emphasized that upon its completion, the road will give Abia’s capital a renewed appearance and enhance its aesthetic appeal.
Otti also disclosed some challenges encountered during the project’s conceptualization, including requests from local villagers to relocate and rebury their deceased relatives.
He assured the people of Abia that compensation has already been provided to the owners of 130 structures marked for demolition.
In his address, Eze Emelike Chiabuotu of Ossah community commended the governor for initiating a significant road project in his region, believing it will lead to transformative changes.
Meanwhile, bulldozers from the Abia State Ministry of Works in Umuahia, in collaboration with officials from the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA), have started demolishing the structures identified by the Ministry of Works.
The demolition team commenced its work at Okigwe Motor Park near Michael Okpara Square, using heavy-duty equipment to dismantle buildings.