Abia State Governor Alex Otti has reassured residents of Ukwa East that all ongoing road projects in the area will be completed, while providing fresh updates on the proposed seaport project.
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has assured the people of Ukwa East Local Government Area that his administration will not abandon any ongoing road construction in the region.
The governor gave the assurance on Wednesday during a meeting with members of the Ezumezu Ndoki Patriotic Association, who visited him at Government House, Umuahia, to raise concerns about stalled projects. His Chief Press Secretary, Kazie Uko, confirmed the development in an official statement.
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Road Projects: Akirikaobu and Obohia in Focus
Governor Otti emphasized that no road currently under construction in Abia would be left incomplete. He highlighted the Akirikaobu route, which stretches from Obingwa into Akwa Ibom State, noting that construction is actively ongoing.
On the Obohia road, Otti explained that his administration inherited setbacks from the previous government, which had awarded the contract to Heartland Construction before the project was abandoned. He said his government had since re-engaged the contractor, who has returned to site.
“The original tunnel was blocked and too expensive to retrieve. We decided to build a new one that will channel water into the Aba River,” Otti stated.
Seaport Project Requires Careful Planning
Addressing concerns about the proposed Ukwa seaport, Otti disclosed that feasibility studies conducted by Chinese partners indicated that about 19.5 kilometres of dredging would be required to connect the port to the high sea.
He said the project’s financial implications mean it cannot commence until funding is fully secured, despite approvals and licences already being in place.
“We will not start the seaport project until we are very sure we have the funds to complete it. Our focus is on viability and sustainability,” the governor stressed.
Community Leaders Express Support
The Mayor of Ukwa East, Chibunna Akara, praised the governor’s developmental efforts, saying residents were pleased with his performance.
Similarly, the President of Ezumezu Ndoki Patriotic Association, High Chief I. N. Ahunanya, commended Otti’s infrastructural drive and pledged the group’s support for his re-election in 2027. However, he urged the governor to give priority to the stalled road projects and the seaport development.
Governor Otti, in response, thanked Ukwa East residents for their continued support and urged them to regard his administration as their own.
