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The reconstruction of Uratta Road and Old Express Road in Aba has commenced, marking another major step in Abia State Governor Alex Otti’s drive to restore the commercial city’s infrastructure and revive economic activities.
Governor Otti, who formally flagged off the projects, said the interventions were part of his administration’s commitment to addressing years of infrastructural neglect and improving the living conditions of residents.
The commencement of work ahead of the official flag-off ceremony reflects the administration’s approach to infrastructure delivery, with the two roads expected to improve movement, strengthen commercial activities and reconnect communities.
For more than two decades, Uratta and Old Express roads have suffered severe deterioration, making transportation difficult for residents, traders and business owners. Their reconstruction is expected to bring relief to thousands of people who depend on the routes for their daily activities.
Uratta Road is a major township route linking Port Harcourt Road with Old Express Road and the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway. More than 100 adjoining streets reportedly depend on it for access, making its rehabilitation critical to movement within the area.
The road had become severely damaged, with waterlogged sections, overgrown vegetation and deep potholes discouraging motorists and commercial transport operators from using it.
Old Express Road, meanwhile, serves as an important commercial corridor within Aba’s industrial landscape. Its poor condition had forced heavy-duty vehicles, traders, manufacturers and small businesses to use longer routes, increasing transportation expenses and slowing business operations.
Roads expected to stimulate commercial activities
The reconstruction is expected to deliver significant economic benefits to Aba, particularly by restoring access to commercial areas and reducing the cost of transporting goods.
The experience of Port Harcourt Road, which was reconstructed under the Otti administration, has demonstrated how improved infrastructure can encourage businesses to reopen, attract investment and boost property values.
Similar gains are anticipated along Uratta and Old Express roads, where shops, workshops, warehouses and residential properties have been affected by years of poor road conditions.
Improved access to Ariaria International Market, Ekeoha Shopping Centre and Ngwa Road markets is also expected to ease the movement of goods towards the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway.
With shorter travel times and reduced fuel consumption, traders and transport operators could experience lower operating costs, while residents may benefit from more efficient movement across the city.
The projects are also expected to support Aba’s manufacturing sector, particularly the garment, footwear and metal fabrication businesses concentrated around Uratta Road.
For these small-scale industries, dependable roads are essential for receiving raw materials, transporting finished products and expanding their customer base. Improved transportation could therefore create opportunities for business growth and employment.
Infrastructure, security and urban renewal
Beyond their economic importance, the roads are expected to improve safety and access to essential services.
The poor condition of Uratta Road had reportedly created difficulties for security patrols, ambulances and other emergency services, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall.
The reconstruction is expected to improve accessibility and, where supported by appropriate drainage, lighting and pedestrian facilities, contribute to a safer environment for residents and commuters.
The projects also form part of the wider infrastructure renewal programme being pursued across Aba, following interventions on Port Harcourt Road, Ohanku and other major routes.
Governor Otti has repeatedly stated that his administration intends to complete the city’s recovery through durable construction and carefully planned infrastructure investments.
The reconstruction of Uratta and Old Express roads is therefore expected to strengthen the network of rehabilitated roads connecting Aba’s residential communities, markets and industrial centres.
For traders, artisans, residents and property owners along the affected corridors, the projects offer renewed prospects for economic activity after years of difficult transportation conditions.
The latest intervention reinforces the administration’s position that restoring Aba’s infrastructure is central to strengthening Abia’s economy, given the city’s importance as a commercial and industrial hub.
With construction now underway, residents and business owners will be looking forward to the completion of the projects and the return of easier movement along two of Aba’s long-neglected roads.
