The reconstruction of the Ohafia-Arochukwu federal highway marks a significant stride in Governor Alex Otti’s infrastructural development push, but the federal government’s suggestion to toll the roads has been opposed by both the governor and House of Representatives member Ibe Okwara-Osonwa, representing Arochukwu-Ohafia Federal Constituency.

Governor Otti’s administration has boosted the push to improve and expand Abia State’s infrastructure with massive investments that would open up the state and create jobs. Last week, the governor and his team flagged off the reconstruction of the road, which was abandoned for over three decades, according to state government claims. The dilapidated state of the road made commuters spend over two hours on a journey that is less than 45 minutes.

However, the federal government, through Minister of Works Dave Umahi, gave authorization for the state to undertake the project. Okwara-Osonwa told The Whistler that the project “represents not just the construction of a road, but the connection of communities, the facilitation of trade, and the strengthening of bonds.”

The road has a contract period of 24 months. Otti plans to reconstruct the 41.4-kilometer road with asphaltic concrete. The carriageway width is 7.1 meters, and the pavement consists of 200 millimeters (mm) thick approved sub-base materials, 200mm thick stone base, and 60mm thick asphaltic concrete binder.

The lawmaker explained that the highway would enhance accessibility and foster economic growth and social development. However, the Minister of Works, Umahi, told the state to recover the cost of the project through toll, a directive that has faced criticism. The lawmaker said it would be unjust to toll the road considering the current economic hardship.

He said, “As agreed with the governor, we will make sure our costs are embedded in the national budget for the periods in question. I will work with the state to come up with supporting documents for this to work. This is essentially to move the burden of responsibility, while we are grateful for the opportunity to be given authorization to do this job, we have to also do what we are meant to be, which is a people-driven government, as my governor always says. So, we will try to work out a means to recover our money without passing the burden on our people.”

He explained that there are robust engagements to ensure smooth execution and the long-term durability of the project. Okwara-Osonwa said, “This has been a long journey, and in true Governor Alex Otti form, it has been well thought out, and many checks and balances have been duly applied.”

“I always say that roads are the veins of a country that move around the blood, in this case, economic. This road will serve as an economic artery that will not just benefit Abia but all of Nigeria. This road opens up access to resources within the federal constituency. It will also help build bonds between brothers that can only boost the well-being of the people.”

“This will let us access all that God has given us in Abia, such as agricultural resources, mineral resources, and access to mobility of skilled and semi-skilled labor.”