Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA) gubernatorial candidate in Abia State, Sir Chikwe Udensi, has commenced the rehabilitation of eight kilometres of roads and clearing of refuse in Aba, the commercial centre of the state with his personal funds.
The roads being rehabilitated by Chomen Construction Company are Old Express, along Slaughter House Road, St. Peters Catholic Church Road, Eziukwu Road, Ohanku Road and St. John Catholic Church Road.
Udensi said the state of the roads and the living condition of the residents spurred him to action to alleviate, to a large extent, the problem they are suffering and the anticipated ones they would suffer when the rainy season sets in.
His words: “I went to do some sensitization at Eziukwu Aba and I was shocked to see where people live and the roads that lead to their houses.
“I felt that before I become the governor, rain would have started and I said to myself, I would not leave these people the way I met them. That was why I felt there was the need to start some level of roadwork.”
Udensi said what he had seen so far in Aba and its environs during his campaign tour made him more determined to become Abia State governor, adding that it had also made him more focused on areas where his administration must effect changes.
He decried the level of neglect residents of Aba had suffered from the present Abia State Government, describing the situation as abuse of power and oath of office.
He also lamented the neglect of traders in Dan Fodio Market where a large commercial building known as K.O. Mbadiwe got burnt and the debris still littered the entire market, thereby restricting traders to a small portion of the market despite multiple taxation and levies imposed on the traders on daily basis.
“I was moved to tears when I got to Dan Fodio Market. The way the people complained about their predicaments to me as if I was the governor was quite touching. You will see the feeling of rejection and dejection on their faces.
“I had no choice than to move into action. I promised them that the refuse and the debris will be packed the next day and as I speak to you, the debris and refuse have been packed and they are happy,” Udensi said.
The governorship candidate said he was particularly moved to action by the poor state of the slaughterhouse.
“I saw where our meat comes from and decided not to eat meat in Aba again until I sanitize the place. The place is in a terrible state,” he said, stressing that despite the huge cost, he was determined to improve the terrible environment in the area.
Meanwhile, the residents of the affected roads, who have been jubilating over the facelift of their roads, have threatened to resist alleged moves by the state government to stop the construction work.
They warned the government to stay away, saying they would react angrily to any move to stop the work.
