Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia
Abia State Governor, Mr. Alex Otti, has said that the moribund Osisioma Industrial Layout would be reactivated in the next 12 months with the reconstruction of the arterial road leading to the estate, NNPC Depot and beyond.
Otti gave the assurance yesterday when he flagged off the reconstruction of the 3.5km Osisioma-Ekeakpara Road, which links the industrial layout to Rivers, Imo and other neighbouring states.
He said that the reconstruction of the road was in continuation of the ongoing consistent efforts of his administration to transform the infrastructural landscape of Aba, the commercial and industrial nerve centre of Abia.
The Osisoma-Ekeakpara Road is considered among the strategic roads in Aba as it provides access to the NNPC Depot, industries and other business outfits in the industrial layout.
The deterioration and eventual collapse of the road made the Osisioma Industrial Layout inaccessible, leading to the closure or relocation of many industries in the area. No fewer than five banks also shut down their branches in the area.
The Abia State governor lamented that the collapse of big businesses operating at the Osisioma Industrial Estate not only led to loss of jobs and means of livelihoods but also loss of faith in Aba as centre for commerce and industry.
“The deterioration of the last two decades is heartbreaking,” he said.
However, Otti noted that Aba’s future is promising with the ongoing commitment to bridge its infrastructure deficit, adding that Osisioma would become one of the busiest areas in the commercial city when the reconstruction of the road is completed.
He advised residents of Osisioma and people doing business in the area to play their part in the efforts to improve the infrastructure by paying their taxes, levies and keeping their environment clean as well as assisting in maintaining security.
“As a government, we shall do everything possible to keep you safe,” he assured Osisioma residents and other Abia residents.
The state commissioner for works, in his remarks said that the road would be reconstructed to the highest standard and would have wide drainages on both sides.
In his welcome address, the Mayor of Osisioma Local Government, Mr. Israel Nweke, expressed gratitude to Governor Otti for giving priority to the reconstruction of the strategic Osisioma-Ekeakpara Road.
He said that the road would in addition to boosting commercial activities would also make it easier to move farm produce from the hinterlands to Aba, the immediate city and neighbouring states.
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