Users of the Umuahia-Bende-Arochukwu-Ohafia road will soon heave a sigh of relief as the Federal Government has finally mobilised a new contractor, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), to commence work on the collapsed sections of the road.
This development follows a viral video from ABN TV’s How Your Area program, which highlighted the deteriorating state of the road, including the Onu Uduma Bridge, popularly known as the Nmuri Bridge, which was on the verge of total collapse due to persistent rainfall.
Our correspondent gathered that the affected road is a federal and not a state government project.
A major disaster might have occurred if the Nmuri Bridge—earlier rehabilitated by the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA)—had been allowed to collapse under the threat of erosion. Its failure would have rendered the Umuahia-Bende-Arochukwu-Ohafia road completely impassable, causing severe hardship for commuters.
The Federal Executive Council had previously approved an additional N12 billion for the project, bringing the total sum to N17.49 billion from the initial N5.49 billion approved in 2018 for reconstruction work. However, only N300 million was allocated in the 2021 Appropriation Bill for the project.
The arrival of CCECC’s equipment at the affected site on Wednesday has brought a ray of hope to the people of Ohafia and all users of the road.
This move comes after the contract of the previous contractor, Heartland, was revoked due to concerns over the quality of work delivered.
When contacted by ABN TV, the member representing Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency, Hon. Ibe Okwara, confirmed that he was aware of the development. He noted that it was the result of his engagement with the Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency, Sen. Engr. Nweze David Umahi, through the Abia State government to ensure that repair work is carried out on the road and Nmuri Bridge to prevent total collapse.
He expressed gratitude to the governor, Dr. Alex Otti, his deputy, and the Senator representing Abia North, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, for their swift response to the road’s deplorable condition.
The lawmaker also urged host communities to extend full cooperation to the contractor to ensure the smooth and timely completion of the palliative work.
