Abia State Governor Alex Otti has launched the reconstruction of the 41.4km Ohafia-Arochukwu highway, a key federal road neglected for decades. Despite the federal government’s lack of financial commitment, Otti is pushing forward with the project, aiming to complete it in 18 months and end years of hardship for residents relying on the dilapidated road.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony in Ohafia, Otti highlighted the federal government’s repeated delays in reimbursing the state for repairs on federal roads. The governor rejected suggestions from federal authorities to toll the road as a means of cost recovery, arguing it would unfairly burden local taxpayers. “This road belongs to Abia, and it’s our responsibility to make it functional for our people,” Otti stated, urging the federal government to eventually reimburse the state.
The Ohafia-Arochukwu highway, originally constructed in the 1960s under Premier Michael Okpara, has been a vital link for economic and social activities in Abia, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River states. Despite its strategic importance, the road has been neglected by successive administrations, falling into severe disrepair and becoming a symbol of unfulfilled promises. Previous attempts to reconstruct the road, including efforts under President Goodluck Jonathan, stalled, leaving the road incomplete.
Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, representing Abia North, criticized Governor Otti for not acknowledging past efforts by the federal government, including those funded by the Petroleum Trust Fund in the 1990s. Kalu claimed his legislative advocacy helped secure funds under President Buhari to repair portions of the road, criticizing Otti for not recognizing these efforts during the project launch.
In response, Otti’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, dismissed Kalu’s claims as baseless and misleading. Ekeoma noted that despite previous attempts, the road remained largely impassable, forcing residents, including Kalu himself, to travel through alternative routes in Akwa Ibom State. “If the road had been properly fixed as claimed, why do Abia North residents, including Senator Kalu, often access Arochukwu via Akwa Ibom?” Ekeoma questioned.
Governor Otti assured residents that the road would be rebuilt to modern standards, with improvements to reduce steep inclines and other challenging sections. He emphasized that waiting for federal intervention was no longer an option, as the state must prioritize the welfare of its citizens. “We are taking our destiny into our own hands,” Otti declared, reaffirming his commitment to delivering a functional highway that will boost economic activities and connectivity in the region.
The reconstruction of the Ohafia-Arochukwu highway marks a significant step in Otti’s broader agenda to improve infrastructure in Abia State, challenging the longstanding neglect of critical projects by federal and state administrations alike.
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