‘Your Living Standard Will Be Better– Otti Assures Rural Dwellers As He Flags Off Road Construction In Abia Community

The Abia State Governor Dr Alex otti has stated that one of the most important commitments of his administration is to improve the living condition of the people across rural and urban communities through the consistent removal of the many impediments that limit the capacity of individuals and businesses to prosper.

Governor Otti who disclosed this during the flag off of the Arocukwu -Ndi Okereke -Ozu Abam road on Wednesday said the terrible state of some of the most economically viable roads in the state as a result of utter neglect tells a very unsavoury story.

He noted that for many years, nothing was done to address this challenge in several rural communities and urban centres.

He said farmers in rural communities find it difficult to move their produce to the markets leading to heavy post-harvest losses.

Otti lamented that due to infrastructural decay in the state, businessmen and women from different parts of Nigeria and the West African sub-region who had relied on markets in Aba for supplies quickly took their patronage to other places.

He informed that as a government that made a covenant to bring succour to the people after many years of frustrations, he prioritises road construction, rehabilitation and maintenance long before he took oath of office.

Governor Otti assured the people that the road will be completed in 12 months, adding that when completed, it will revive the agricultural and allied business ecosystem within several communities in Arochukwu and Ohafia LGAs and also open an expanded economic window for those seeking to tap into the promises of the New Abia by investing in the area.

He stated that fixing the road simultaneously with the Umuahia-Uzuakoli-Ohafia Road was a strategic initiative to guarantee that the stretch of road from that axis to Umuahia and Aba is in optimal shape, making the movement of people, agro and allied commodities from the northern part of the state to the urban centres a hassle-free.

The Governor stated, “Beyond just boosting the economic endeavours of individuals and businesses, the reconstruction of these roads will also improve the social dynamics in the communities, making travel less risky and adding an extra layer of incentives for our kith and kin living in places far and near to visit home more frequently for social functions and engagements.

“In committing so much to these road projects, we are looking to also strengthen inter-community bonds and create a new pathway for rapid development of the tourism sector.

“By the time the contractors complete their works, it would be easier for our friends and acquaintances to travel from wherever they are in the world to our communities to witness our cultural and traditional events as frequently as they wish.”

The Governor appealed to the people to do their part to make Abia truly number one on all the important development indices.

“Citizens and businesses are encouraged to pay their taxes with religious commitments. Thankfully, we have created multiple digital and traditional channels to make the payment of taxes and other statutory fees seamless.

“Our infrastructural and social development programmes will be stalled if we fall short on the financial obligations required to keep the bulldozers and other earth moving equipment at our different project sites in motion”.

“In addition to paying our taxes as and when due, we have an obligation to protect public facilities in our communities and neighbourhoods.

“Acts of vandalism and criminal destruction of public infrastructure shall never be tolerated as we shall deploy the full weight of the law to deal with anyone who attempts to sabotage our modest efforts at making all parts of Abia safe destinations for honest and legitimate endeavours.

“Our assurance to all the communities in the State is that we have a very detailed programme of development that you are bound to benefit from.

“The promise of the New Abia is for every part of the State. It must, however, be borne in mind, going by the evidence of the last ten months, that we are very methodical in our approach.

“Our overarching objective is to turn every community in the State into viable production centres where those who seek jobs can find one and those who dream of setting up their independent empires will be given wings to fly.

“The advantage of the Labour Party Government in the State is in our fidelity to our promises and our organic connection with the population at the grassroots.

“So, from time to time, you will see us in your communities flagging off new, or commissioning completed projects with measurable relevance to the wellbeing of the people.

“As I have mentioned, all you need to do is play your part as partners in progress because this is your government”.