ABIA: Gov. Otti Flags Off 6 Lane Ossah Road Project, Says Compensation Have Been Released | WATCH VIDEO

Keeping to his promise of hitting the ground running, the executive governor of Abia State, Dr Alex Otti, OFR, has flagged off demolition and construction of the 3 1/2KM 6 lane Ossah road project in Umuahia, the state capital.

The project which received backlash from onset, was kicked off on Wednesday with constructors and their machines on site and marked buildings being demolished.

Speaking at the site, governor Otti stated that he has released money needed to compensate owners of 130 structures from Okpara square to express tower, marked for demolition along the road and they have started receiving their compensations.

According to the governor, he remained resolute to continue the project despite discouragements after considering that it is the entrance to Abia state and requires a face lift.

“initially, when we conceptualized it, it received an instant argument; a lot of experts said it was not possible that we should concentrate on other areas that needs help” Otti said.

He stated that when the issue of compensation came up, his government invited real estate agents and valuers who came up with formula for payment.

“We came to an agreement at the end because we dint want to do it by force. As at last week, I had provided all the money that will be used in paying compensations to the one hundred and thirty owners of houses on this road. So if you have not received your own compensation, that may be a bureaucratic issue that must be resolved within the week but the money is sitting in the bank waiting for you.

“We believe we should not inflict injury and discomfort on our people and we thought that the best thing to do was to pay compensation before flagging off, and having provided all the money and having started paying, we resolved that today was a good day to flag off this road and have the contractor begin construction” he added.

The governor assured that by the time work gets to express tower, negotiation and contract would have been given to extend it to Onuimo with the same 6 lane specification.

“We are also discussing the Imo river at Owerrinta to Umuika junction crossing Umuinya junction turning right into Obikabia; turning left again, to other parts of Obikabia into Ukaegbu road then Ikot Ekpene road to Aba . The idea behind this is that you won’t have any difference in Aba if you are going to Ikot Ekpene or Calabar; the idea is to decongest Aba” the governor added.