BY OHUIZU CHUKWUEBUKA / UMUAHIA
Construction giant, Julius Berger Nigeria PLC will take over the reconstruction of dilapidated major roads in Aba, the commercial nerve centre of Abia State after the May 29, swearing-in of Abia’s Governor-Elect, Dr Alex Otti.
Engineers from Julius Berger on Wednesday (yesterday) inspected Port Harcourt road which is one of the most important but perennially dilapidated major roads that have been giving residents and business people nightmares.
Just last week,Dr Lars Richter, the Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, visited Governor-Elect, Dr Alex in his country home in Nvosi, Isialangwa South Local Government Area.
The inspection began from the popular Number-1 Junction in Aba South Local Government Area and stopped at the end of the road in Asa-Nnetu off Aba-Port Harcourt Highway in Ugwunagbo local government area which is about six kilometres.
Mr Ferdinand Ekeoma, Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to Dr Alex Otti said that during the campaigns, the Governor-Elect promised that he will bring a reputable company to take over the reconstruction of dilapidated roads in Aba and that to ensure he keeps his promise, Julius Berger came to carry out an on-the-spot assessment of Port Harcourt Road.
“In fulfilment of that promise, a discussion has been ongoing with Julius Berger and other reputable construction companies to ensure that our roads are properly fixed.
“Today, Julius Berger has come to inspect Port Harcourt Road starting from Number-1 Junction to Flyover here so that they can take notice of the tragedy that has befallen Aba over the years.
“They now have first-hand information of what’s on the ground and we’re expecting the needful to be done in a matter of weeks. Nothing will be done in secrecy under the incoming administration. From the contract terms to the duration to the amount and the kilometres nothing will be hidden.
“Our people will be carried along. The government must be answerable to the people. We got thousands of people suffering on this road on a daily and weekly basis. A whole lot of people have parked out from this place and we must make sure that this strategic road must be recovered as soon as possible.
“We equally expect the presence of the construction giant on other important roads like Obohia and Ohanku roads. So, they’ve seen the damage and we assure Aba people that this reputable construction company will surely restore the glory of Aba,” he said.
Ekeoma said that Otti will constantly interact with Aba residents to know every aspect of their problems so that he can properly pursue the people’s goals and dreams and make them a reality.
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