Communities in Arochukwu town have extended their gratitude to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for the ongoing emergency repairs of failed sections along the Atani-Amuvi, Atani-Ugbo-Amankwu Road and the 8-kilometer Atani Phase II Road in Arochukwu Local Government Area of Abia State.
Leaders of the communities expressed their appreciation during a visit by the NDDC Executive Director of Projects, Sir Victor Antai, accompanied by a team of directors and engineers from the Commission, to inspect the roads, which included the installation of concrete drains and solar-powered street lights recently.
Representing the Ugbo community in Arochukwu, Eze John Ogbonnaya Okoro, conveyed their commendation to the NDDC, highlighting the positive impact of the ongoing infrastructure projects
Eze John Okoro said: “This road you are seeing today was more like a track road, mostly marshy and undulating, before the NDDC intervened. Vehicles couldn’t come into our villages through this road. But today in our lifetime, through NDDC we now have a smooth and asphalted road.
“On behalf of my community, I’m saying a very big thank you to NDDC, while we appeal for a bridge across the river so that we can access our farmlands and then open up the communities.”
Similarly, Eze OgoAtani, Mazi Charles Okoro, echoed the same sentiments, applauding the NDDC for its intervention. He emphasized that the road, which serves as a vital link between numerous communities, had been impassable for many years until the NDDC’s intervention.
He said: “Words are not enough to express the joy of the people who are now enjoying quality roads with the accompanying benefits in social and economic activities.”
He remarked that the roads reconstructed by the NDDC had been in a deplorable condition for many years, noting thus: “Most of our communities were not accessible by road before the NDDC came to our rescue. We are very grateful for this assistance and we appeal for more in the area of electricity where we need transformers.”
Following the inspections, the NDDC Executive Director of Projects, Sir Victor Antai, shared his impressions, emphasizing that the improved road network would significantly enhance the lives of the people by creating more business and socialization opportunities across state boundaries.
Antai reassured the community leaders of the Commission’s dedication to the infrastructural development of the Niger Delta region.
He stated: “When the righteous is on the throne, the people rejoice. The current Board and Management of the Commission are transforming the entire Niger Delta region. We have gone round this community and you can see for yourselves the beautiful job done by the contractor. I am satisfied with the quality of work done.
“The roads have drains on both sides and are complimented by solar-powered street lights. These street lights form part of the Light up the Niger Delta project of the Commission.”
Antai vowed that the NDDC would persist in its commitment to transforming the Niger Delta region by implementing impactful projects in the area adding, “Arochukwu is very close to Akwa Ibom State, as it shares boundaries with Ini Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom and is also close to Cross River State.
“The good road network in Arochukwu is one step away from getting across to the neighbouring states. I must commend the contractor for a job well done. We will encourage other contractors to step up their game and deliver quality jobs.”
He praised the youths from various communities in Arochukwu for maintaining peace and creating an enabling environment for the contractor to adhere to the job specifications and standards set by the NDDC, ensuring quality delivery.
The project was attracted by Mazi Obasi Lawson (Ugwu Aro), who has received accolades from several Umu Aro for his efforts in attracting such massive road construction. Construction work is being undertaken by Sobaz Nig Ltd, Mazi Lawson’s organization.
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