Abia State, Nigeria – August 29, 2024 – In a move that has been met with widespread acclaim, the Abia State Government has commenced the long-awaited reconstruction of the Ohafia-Arochukwu Road, a vital artery that serves over sixty communities in the state. This development has garnered praise from various quarters, notably from the Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD), a prominent pro-democracy and environmental rights advocacy group in Abia State.
FENRAD, in an official statement released on August 29, 2024, lauded the initiative spearheaded by Governor Alex Chioma Otti, describing it as a long-overdue intervention that will bring much-needed relief to the residents of the affected communities. For years, the Ohafia-Arochukwu Road had suffered from severe neglect, leading to its total collapse, much to the detriment of the local population and the state’s broader development objectives.
The Foundation’s Executive Director, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, expressed the organization’s delight at the commencement of the road’s reconstruction, emphasizing the transformative impact the project is expected to have on the region. “After decades of abandonment, the people living along this corridor can finally breathe a sigh of relief,” Nwafor remarked. “The reconstruction of this road is not just a development in infrastructure; it represents a new chapter in the lives of these communities, who have long suffered the consequences of neglect.”
A History of Neglect and the Need for Accountability
The Ohafia-Arochukwu Road, which spans forty-four kilometers, has a storied history dating back to the premiership of Dr. Michael Ọkpara of the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) during the First Republic. Originally constructed under Ọkpara’s administration in the then Eastern Region, the road has been a lifeline for the agrarian communities it connects. However, successive governments failed to maintain the road, allowing it to deteriorate to a state of near impassability.
“It is disheartening that a road of such significance was allowed to decay over the years,” Nwafor stated. “This road has been vital for agricultural productivity, commerce, and communication between the communities it serves. Its neglect has not only stifled economic growth in the region but has also isolated these communities, making life more difficult for the residents.”
FENRAD’s statement did not stop at commending the ongoing efforts. The organization called for a comprehensive probe into the years of neglect that led to the road’s collapse. Specifically, the Foundation urged Governor Otti to ensure fiscal prudence in the current project and to investigate the initial awarding of contracts for the road under past administrations, contracts that were left unfulfilled despite the allocation of state resources.
“Every kobo must be accounted for,” Nwafor asserted. “The people of Abia State deserve to know how their resources were managed—or mismanaged—by previous governments. We call on the governor to conduct a thorough investigation into the abandoned contracts and ensure that those responsible are held to account.”
The Economic Impact of Road Rehabilitation
The reconstruction of the Ohafia-Arochukwu Road is not merely an infrastructural upgrade; it is expected to have far-reaching economic implications for the state. According to FENRAD, the road, once completed, will significantly enhance agricultural productivity by improving access to markets and reducing the cost of transportation for farmers. This, in turn, is expected to lead to a more stable and fair food pricing regime, benefiting both producers and consumers across Abia State.
“Roads are the lifeblood of any economy,” Nwafor noted. “By facilitating the movement of goods and people, they create the economic linkages necessary for growth and development. The reconstruction of the Ohafia-Arochukwu Road will open up these communities to greater economic opportunities, ensuring that the benefits of development are felt across the state.”
FENRAD also highlighted the importance of extending infrastructure development beyond urban centers to include semi-urban and rural areas. The Foundation commended the governor’s commitment to ensuring that all parts of the state receive attention, urging him to continue his focus on other key road projects such as the 30-kilometer Arochukwu-Ndiokereke-Ozuabam Road and the 67-kilometer Umuahia-Uzuakoli-Ohafia Road. These projects, once completed, are expected to address long-standing infrastructure deficits and further integrate the state’s economy.
A Call for Sustained Efforts and Inclusive Governance
While praising the current administration’s efforts, FENRAD called for sustained and inclusive governance to ensure that the benefits of these projects reach all segments of the population, particularly those in rural communities who have historically been marginalized.
“The governor has made a strong start, but there is still much work to be done,” Nwafor cautioned. “It is crucial that these projects are completed on time and within budget, and that they are executed in a manner that is transparent and inclusive. We must ensure that no part of Abia State is left behind.”
In conclusion, FENRAD’s statement underscored the importance of accountability and transparency in governance, particularly in the management of public resources. The Foundation reiterated its call for a probe into the mismanagement of the Ohafia-Arochukwu Road in the past and urged the current administration to set a new standard for governance in the state.
“The people of Abia State deserve better, and we are confident that Governor Otti’s administration can deliver on its promises,” Nwafor said. “We will continue to monitor the progress of these projects and hold the government accountable to ensure that the people of Abia State receive the development they have long been denied.”
As the reconstruction of the Ohafia-Arochukwu Road moves forward, the people of Abia State, and particularly the residents of the sixty-plus communities along its path, look forward to a brighter future—one where infrastructure serves as a bridge to economic growth, social inclusion, and a better quality of life for all.
