From Kenneth Udeh, Umuahia.
The Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, has commenced the construction and rehabilitation of roads across the five Local Government Areas in the district, with 28 projects captured in the 2025 Federal Government Budget.
A visit by the SUN to various communities in Abia North during the weekend revealed that work has commenced at some of the project sites, while contractors are expected to mobilise to other locations in the coming weeks.
The road projects, spread across Bende, Isikwuato, Umunneochi and Arochukwu/Ohafia Local Government Areas, are expected to improve rural connectivity, facilitate agricultural activities, boost commerce and enhance economic activities across the senatorial district.
Among the projects in Bende Local Government Area are the construction of University Boulevard Road in Umuisi; University Boulevard Erosion Site in Umuisi; University Boulevard Road in Bende; a road at Agbo; and a road in Umuenyere, Alayi.
In Isikwuato Local Government Area, the projects include the construction of Ezera Road, Umuelem Road, University Road in Uturu, Ovim Township Road, a road in Acha and Ozara Road.
Umunneochi Local Government Area has also benefited from several road projects, including roads in Aroikpa, Nneato; Eziama-Agbo, Nneato; Obinulo, Isuochi; Umuaku, Isuochi; Mbala, Isuochi; Amuda, Isuochi; Lokpaukwu; Ngodo, Isuochi; and Lomara, as well as the maintenance of roads in communities across the local government area.
In Arochukwu/Ohafia Local Government Areas, the projects include the construction of roads in Ndiorieke-Eziafor, Isiugwu, Ebem Township, Abia and Akanu Ukwu, as well as the road from Ndi Inya to Idima and the road in Okagbu, Ohafia.
Reacting to the development, Kalu, who is also Chairman of the Senate Committee on the South East Development Commission (SEDC), said the projects were part of his efforts to open up rural communities and stimulate economic activities.
“As part of my commitment to opening up our rural communities for agriculture, commerce and economic development, I have attracted new road construction and rehabilitation projects across Abia North.
“Work has already commenced on some of the roads, while contractors are expected to mobilise to other sites within the next one to two weeks.
“We shall continue to work towards improving connectivity, supporting our farmers and strengthening economic activities across our communities.
“These projects were captured in the 2025 Federal Government Budget. Other communities, wards and local government areas across Abia North have also been captured for road and other infrastructure interventions in the 2026 Budget.”
The road interventions add to the over 300 road and other infrastructure projects facilitated by the former Abia State Governor since his assumption of office in the Red Chamber in 2019.
These interventions have continued to improve rural infrastructure across Abia North, where many communities rely heavily on road networks for access to markets, schools, healthcare facilities and other economic opportunities.
The projects, when completed, are expected to enhance movement of people and agricultural produce while strengthening links between rural communities and major commercial centres across the senatorial district.
