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Aba South Stakeholders Rally Behind Uratta, Old Express Roads as Mayor Obialor Anyanwu Urges Conflict-Free Project Execution
Aba South Stakeholders Rally Behind Uratta, Old Express Roads as Mayor Obialor Anyanwu Urges Conflict-Free Project Execution
The long-awaited reconstruction of Uratta Road and Old Express Road in Aba moved a step closer to reality as key stakeholders gathered in Aba South Local Government Area to chart a smooth path for the implementation of the strategic infrastructure project.
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The high-level stakeholders’ engagement, organised by the Project Implementation Unit of the Abia State Integrated Infrastructure Development Project (ABSIIDP) under the Abia State Ministry of Works, brought together government officials, traditional rulers, security agencies, community leaders and political stakeholders to discuss the scope of the project, environmental safeguards, compensation plans and mechanisms for resolving grievances.
At the meeting, the Executive Mayor of Aba South LGA, Hon. Obialor Anyanwu, stressed that preventing disputes from the onset would be far more beneficial than attempting to resolve conflicts after they arise. He advised the construction company to avoid actions capable of creating friction with host communities.
To foster cordial relationships, the Mayor recommended the engagement of a Community Liaison Officer (CLO) from each affected community, explaining that such representatives would serve as trusted intermediaries between residents and the construction company.
He also emphasised the need for prompt and adequate compensation for individuals whose properties or livelihoods may be affected by the project, noting that fair compensation would significantly reduce complaints and disputes during construction.
Beyond the roads themselves, Hon. Anyanwu called attention to the persistent flooding along the Ariaria–Faulk Road–Gasline–Ifeobara corridor. He warned that any road reconstruction that fails to address the reclamation of Ifeobara Pond could ultimately be undermined, as floodwaters would continue to wash back onto the newly completed roads, threatening their durability.
The Mayor reaffirmed the readiness of Aba South Local Government and its residents to partner with the Abia State Government and the eventual contractor to ensure successful project delivery. He noted that the roads are critical access routes leading to the Ariaria International Market and connecting with the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway, making them vital to commerce and transportation in Aba.
He also commended Governor Alex Chioma Otti for fulfilling his promise to rehabilitate the roads and pledged the full cooperation of the council.
Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Ihuoma Emeruwa, disclosed that the road project is counterpart-funded and has already received the Governor’s approval. He assured stakeholders that only a reputable construction company would be selected to execute the project.
The Speaker further revealed that several other road projects across Aba, including the road leading to his hometown of Nnentu, could commence alongside the Uratta and Old Express Road reconstruction. He urged residents to support the contractor to ensure quality and timely completion.
Earlier, Engr. Amah Okechukwu Anthony, who led the ABSIIDP delegation, explained that the engagement was organised to acquaint stakeholders with the project’s implementation process and prepare communities for activities expected during construction.
He disclosed that the project is being jointly funded by the African Development Bank and the Abia State Government, adding that funding has already been secured.
According to him, physical construction will commence immediately after the rainy season, while preliminary activities are currently underway.
Project Coordinator Engr. Ndudim Ononiwu stated that the initiative is designed to improve the quality of life for residents by reconstructing critical roads that have deteriorated over the years.
He announced that the project includes the construction of a 3.1-kilometre Uratta Road and a 3.99-kilometre Old Express Road, adding that contractors are being selected through an open and competitive bidding process, with several firms already submitting bids.
Engr. Ononiwu further assured stakeholders that comprehensive Resettlement Action Plans have been developed to compensate individuals who may be displaced or otherwise affected during the execution of the project. He stressed that the Abia State Government and the African Development Bank remain committed to ensuring that all compensation obligations are fulfilled.
Environmental Expert Dr. Nneoma Okezuo explained that her team would oversee compliance with environmental and social safeguards throughout the project.
She assured residents that no means of livelihood would be destroyed without compensation and disclosed that economic trees removed during construction would be replaced through replanting initiatives. Measures, she said, would also be taken to minimise environmental pollution throughout the construction period.
Dr. Okezuo further revealed that youths from affected communities would be given employment opportunities where possible, while a formal grievance redress mechanism would be established to enable residents report concerns throughout the project.
She appealed to community members to protect construction equipment and materials, noting that such cooperation would help the contractor complete the project within the targeted eight-month construction period beginning in October.
Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers, the Chairman of Nde Eze Aba South LGA, His Royal Majesty Eze E.I.O. Ugwuzor, welcomed the project and applauded the extensive consultations with host communities.
While expressing optimism, the monarch urged the government to ensure that only a competent contractor is awarded the project, recalling the years of hardship endured by residents due to the deplorable condition of the roads.
He pledged the support of the communities in safeguarding construction equipment and also appealed for local youths to be engaged in unskilled labour opportunities during the project.
Also contributing, the Aba South Supervisor for Works, Hon. Uche Ogaraku, advised the construction company to avoid the mistakes of previous administrations, which often raised road and drainage levels above adjoining communities, thereby worsening flooding on surrounding roads.
The meeting attracted a broad range of participants, including the Deputy Mayor of Aba South, representatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigeria Immigration Service, religious leaders, officials of the local government, Labour Party leaders, Abia Arise representatives, legislative officials and youth leaders from the affected communities.
The engagement concluded with a renewed commitment from stakeholders to work closely with the Abia State Government in ensuring the successful delivery of the Uratta and Old Express Road projects, which are expected to significantly improve transportation, commercial ac
tivities and flood management across Aba South.
