Abia Govt Begins Demolition Of 130 Buildings As Otti Flags Off Road Expansion

Abia Govt Begins Demolition Of 130 Buildings As Otti Flags Off Road Expansion

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti has flagged off the construction of a six-lane road project in Umuahia, aimed at opening up the capital city for development.

This is even as demolition of marked structures along the proposed road has commenced.

In his address while flagging off the project, Otti explained that the road expansion was in line with his administration’s plan to transform the state capital city into a modern town.

He pointed out that the road, when completed, would give the Abia capital a new face and enhance its beauty.

Otti who listed some challenges he encountered during the conceptualizing period the project, said some villagers pleaded that that they should be allowed to exhume and re-bury their dead relatives.

He informed Abians that owners of 130 structures marked for demolition have already been compensated.

In his speech, Eze Emelike Chiabuotu of Ossah community commended the governor for commencing the construction of a major road project from his kingdom, saying that when completed, the project would transform his area.

Meanwhile, bulldozers from Abia State Ministry of Works in Umuahia and officials of Umuahia Capital Development Authority, UCDA, have swung into action, demolishing the structures marked by the Ministry of Works.

The demolition squad which kicked off its assignment at Okigwe Motor Park beside Michael Okpara Square, was seen bringing down buildings with heavy duty equipment even as some affected property owners dashed to salvage valuables from the demolished houses.

Some owners of the demolished structures, especially those at Okigwe Motor Park, were observed shedding tears as the bulldozers crushed their properties.