In a bid to mitigate the growing risk of road accidents in the state capital, following high speed along the roads reconstructed by the administration of Dr Alex Otti, the Abia State Government is to install speed bumps on some of the roads in the city
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this at Government House Umuahia, while briefing newsmen on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting held on Monday, March 23, 2026.
Prince Kanu said that, “With the construction and reconstruction of some of the roads in Umuahia, the lives of some commuters now appears to be at risk as a result of over-speeding on these roads.
“Consequently, the state government has thought it wise to install speed bumps on some of the affected roads in Umuahia to mitigate the growing risk of road accidents.
Prince Kanu announced that the State Government has approved the release of funds to accelerate the completion of ongoing projects within the state capital.
He noted that work has already commenced on several urban beautification initiatives, including roadside tree planting, landscaping of designated public spaces, repair and painting of kerbs, as well as the installation of road signs.
” All these projects of course underscore
the state government’s agenda to beautify Umuahia as the state capital.
He listed key roads earmarked for the programme to include Aguiyi Ironsi Boulevard, Library Avenue, and the stretch from Shoprite through Aba Park, adding that protective guaze wires have been installed along some of these routes to safeguard the newly planted trees.
Prince Kanu further disclosed that significant progress has been made at the Afara Relief Market project site, where construction of the perimeter fencing has been successfully completed and compensation to land owners of the market site fully paid.
On road infrastructure, he revealed that the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA) is set to commence the rehabilitation of internal roads within the Methodist Theological Institute, Umuahia.
Other ongoing and proposed road projects in Umuahia include the construction of Umuokoro Road linking BCA Road to Ikot Ekpene Road in Ohokobe Ndume, the New Heaven Junction to Isi-Court Road in Umuahia South, Uzzi Ossah Road, and the rehabilitation of Mgbarakuma-Nsirimo Road.
He added that the road linking the International Conference Centre to Winners Church/ASEPA Road will also be constructed, while the Michael Okpara statue will be retrofitted.
Prince Kanu further said that the state government has expanded its urban renewal and development framework with the establishment of the Greater Ohafia Development Authority (GODA), complementing the Greater Aba Development Authority (GADA) and Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA), in a bid to extend urban development to other parts of the state, especially Ohafia and its environs.
“Since its inception, GODA has embarked on strategic road construction projects to improve connectivity across Ohafia and the wider Abia North Senatorial Zone. Notable projects include the 1.53km Amaekpu Ring Road in Ohafia, the 300m Ezeukwu Road in Bende, the 2.35km Ezera Road in Isuikwuato, OKoronta Road in Ohafia, erosion control works spanning 850m in Bende, maintenance of the 4.5km Abiriba-Nkporo Road, as well as road projects in Ahuma Abam (Arochukwu) and Umuelem (Umuneochi), among others.
“These interventions are aimed at transforming Ohafia and its adjoining communities into thriving urban centres,” he noted.
On general road infrastructure, the Commissioner revealed that direct labour works are currently ongoing in 51 locations across the state. Out of these, two projects have been completed, while three new ones have been added to the list.
The completed projects include the maintenance and asphalt overlay of the 3.65km Abiriba Road Orieagwa Junction to Amaogudu Roundabout and the 1.12km Okpuala-Umuala-Nbawsi Road.
He added that the newly added projects under direct labour works include; road construction within the Federal Low-Cost Housing Estate in Umuahia North, the 400m Umuogo Road in Ubakala, and the 4.7km Umuezike-Ofeme Nkpa Road.
He further disclosed that a total of 29 road projects are currently under contract across the state, with work progressing steadily due to the favourable weather conditions prevalent at this time of the year.
Prince Kanu reiterated that these ongoing projects reflect the Abia State Government’s sustained commitment to enhancing infrastructure, improving connectivity, and ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens.
The Commissioner announced that the Abia State Government will hold a state burial service in honour of the late Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai, a distinguished cleric and illustrious son of the state.
According to Commissioner, the solemn event is scheduled to take place on Thursday, March 26th, 2026, at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, by 10:00 a.m.
Prince Kanu described the late Rev. Dr. Ukpai as “a devoted Ambassador of Christ whose ministerial exploits brought honour and recognition to Abia state and beyond.”
Responding to questions, the General Manager Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA) Mr Kingsley Agomuo noted that installation of speed bumps is aimed at saving lives and protecting road users.
Also, the Director General Greater Ohafia Development Authority (GODA) , Engr. Obinna Odum, who noted that GODA was established to ensure that development is achieved in Abia North starting from Ohafia, noted that the roads being done in the Ohafia and its environs are aimed at linking the various LGAs in the zone and ensuring improvement in access roads for the farm produce that comes from that area of the state.
