Motorists, residents in Aba laud progress on Port Harcourt Road

Motorists and residents in Aba, the commercial hub of Abia State, are excited about the progress of work on Port Harcourt Road.

They noted that despite heavy rainfall, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, the contractor, has managed to sustain construction at the site.

Residents praised the diligence of the entire project team. They observed that a significant section of the road had already been completed, allowing motorists to travel through the area and conduct their businesses.

Construction work on the remaining section of the road is still ongoing.

A motorcyclist, Anthony Ibe, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to God and Julius Berger.

He said: “I feel so excited about the road. I never imagined that I would be alive to see this road this way, and I am so grateful to God. I am an engineer. I used to stay here a long time ago before the road got too bad. I had to abandon my workshop, abandon my job, and go into the Keke business because you cannot access this place from Uratta junction.

“As a family man, it is not easy to relocate, get customers, and take care of the family at the same time, so I had to go into Keke riding. Just this year, in February, I saw the seriousness of the job. I had to make arrangements to come back, and I am back and working in my shop now. I am the happiest person to see this new road.”

Another resident, Okechukwu Onyeso, praised the state governor for the quality of work. He said the contractor’s disposition has made it evident that the road will be durable and enjoyed by the people for a long time.

“This is my shop, and I have been on Port Harcourt Road for over 30 years. I am very pleased to see this kind of road because Julius Berger has been working very diligently since I’ve been here. They construct the road to high standards, making it durable. I am very thankful to God and the governor of Abia State. I will offer him drinks and express my gratitude if I see him. I’m pleased.”

The project manager, Mr Christian Kloepfel, represented by Kehinde Bakare, stated that while the rains slow down the work, quality is being carefully monitored to ensure no compromise.

Abia State Governor Alex Otti flagged off the reconstruction of 6.8 km Port Harcourt Road in Aba on Thursday, October 12, 2023, to enhance the state’s economic prospects.

Speaking during the occasion in Aba, Otti described the reconstruction of the road as another strategic step in fulfilling his desire to revive the long-abandoned economic activities in the area.

The governor said he was determined to ensure that, upon completion, the road would further drive economic rejuvenation and transform Aba into an investors’ haven.

“For us, Port Harcourt Road, Aba, is not just any other project; it will be a testament to our willingness and determination to rebuild ancient ruins and restore places long devastated,” he said.