Otti's Road Revolution: Laying Foundation for Abia Sustainable Development

  

By Chinedu Opara 

When Gov Alex Otti visited the country home of the late iconic former governor of old Imo State, Chief Sam Mbakwe, the message of the visit was clear.  It was sign that  Gov Otti plans to govern like the late former governor.

Up till this moment, the late iconic former governor of old Imo State, remains the best in history of the state. Also, citizens of Imo and Abia the two states created out of old Imo, insist that none of those who have ruled  their respective states, compares to him.

Presently, the verdict within and outside Abia, is that Gov Otti is following in the footsteps of Dee Mbakwe. Some  persons even suggest he has a copy of Mbakwe's governance blueprint, as his style mirrors the late ex  governor's own.Take  for example,Dee Mbakwe's road revolution. Elected governor four years after Imo was created, he was under no illusion that he inherited a state with zero road infrastructure.

Therefore, he began a methodic push to address that huge deficit, knowing as a visionary leader that, access to good roads,was key to igniting socioeconomic development.

 Gov Otti has done almost same thing since he assumed office. He's demonstrated so much passion and commitment to delivering quality and sustainable roads, to leapfrog socioeconomic advancement of the state.Although he has awarded and executed many roads within the time his few months in office, the recent flag off of the 67 kilometres, Umuahia/Uzuakoli/Akara/Abriba/ Ohafia Road, remains the biggest proof of that unwavering agenda.

And that's for many obvious reasons. The road is one of the most critical arterial roads in the state, as it traverses and connects hundreds of communities and several local government areas of the state. In a manner of speaking too,  it's the lifeblood of the communities and LGAs it runs through, as it's the key driver of their  socioeconomic existence and survival. Without it  living and survival may be next to impossibility, for some parts of the state.

 Given the great value  constructing it would  add to the state's development efforts, any governor keen on developing the state, would not think twice about building it. However, those who came before the incumbent lacked that passion. They neither had the vision  to lay the foundation for the state's greatness,nor take it to  another level. So, they ignored a hugely important road like that road, and it deteriorated into a death trap.

 But, the old narrative is changing,as Abia is now blessed with a governor, with both the vision and passion, to revolutionize the road infrastructure, as well as other sectors the economy.

And not only is he building roads, the governor is doing so aggressively, and with eyes on quality and global standards. In this 4th repubic,I can't remember hearing or seeing any road of similar length and construction specifications, as the Umuahia/ Uzuakoli/ Akara/ Abriba/ Ohafia Road, completed and commissioned within twelve months.

But, Gov Otti is about changing that norm with this particular road. He hinted that  on the flag off day, with the announcement that  the completion deadline is 12 months. He's also adamant about quality and standards, as shown by his warning on  specifications as spelt out in the contract.

Indeed, the Umuahia/Uzuakoli /Akara/ Abriba/ Ohafia road is a strong indicator that Gov Otti is intentional about road  development. And poised to lay solid road infrastructure foundation for Abia's sustainable development. Because that is what would happen when the road,and other  critical roads like Aba/Port Harcourt Road, the six lane Umuahia Road, and several other ongoing road projects, scattered across  of the state, are completed.