The Abia State Government has expressed concern over the unintended safety risks emerging on roads reconstructed under Governor Alex Otti’s administration, the state Information Commissioner, Prince Okey Kanu, has said.
Speaking to journalists, Commissioner Kanu explained that a number of accidents have been recorded on these roads due to speeding vehicles, inattentive drivers, and pedestrians failing to exercise caution.

“With the construction and reconstruction of several roads in Umuahia, the state capital, the safety of some commuters appears to be at risk due to over-speeding,” the Commissioner noted.

In response, the state government has decided to install speed bumps on selected roads to reduce the risk of accidents. These measures are intended to enhance commuter safety while maintaining the quality of roads developed within the first three years of Governor Otti’s tenure.

Commissioner Kanu emphasized that these infrastructure initiatives are part of a broader effort to beautify Umuahia and improve urban infrastructure. The state has approved additional funding to accelerate the completion of ongoing projects, including urban beautification, roadside tree planting, landscaping of public spaces, repair and painting of curbs, and the installation of road signs.

Key roads earmarked for this programme include Aguiyi Ironsi Boulevard, Library Avenue, and the stretch from Shoprite through Aba Park. Protective guard wires have also been installed along certain routes to safeguard newly planted trees.

The Commissioner updated that direct labour works are currently ongoing in 51 locations across the state, listing them to include the maintenance and asphalt overlay of the 3.65 kilometer ( km) Abiriba Road Orieagwa Junction to Amaogudu Roundabout and the 1.12 km Okpuala-Umuala-Nbawsi Road. Others include construction of roads within the Federal Low-Cost Housing Estate in Umuahia North, the 400 meters Umuogo Road in Ubakala, and the 4.7km Umuezike-Ofeme Nkpa Road, adding that a total of 29 road projects are currently under contract across the state, with works progressing steadily due to the favourable weather conditions.
 
In total, 29 road projects are currently under contract across Abia State, with steady progress aided by favourable weather conditions.
 
The Commissioner also noted that the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA) is set to begin rehabilitation of internal roads within the state capital. Additionally, the state has expanded its urban development framework with the creation of the Greater Ohafia Development Authority (GODA).

GODA complements the existing Greater Aba Development Authority (GADA) and UCDA, extending urban development to Ohafia and surrounding areas. Since its inception, GODA has implemented strategic road projects to improve connectivity across Abia North Senatorial Zone, including:
  
He reported that since GODA inception, it has embarked on strategic road construction projects to improve connectivity across Ohafia and the wider Abia North Senatorial Zone, listing some of these projects to include the 1.53 km Amaekpu Ring Road in Ohafia, the 300 meters Ezeukwu Road in Bende, the 2.35km Ezera Road in Isuikwuato, OKoronta Road in Ohafia, erosion control works spanning 850m in Bende, maintenance of the 4.5km Abiriba-Nkporo Road, as well as road projects in Ahuma Abam (Arochukwu) and Umuelem (Umuneochi), among others.