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Members of the communities in Arochukwu town have voiced their appreciation to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for addressing the urgent repairs needed on the failed sections of the Atani-Amuvi-Amankwu Road and the 8-kilometer Atani Phase II Road in Arochukwu Local Government Area of Abia State.
Joy radiated among the community leaders as they welcomed the visit of Sir Victor Antai, the NDDC Executive Director, Projects, and his team of directors and engineers, who inspected the roads. The leaders were particularly impressed by the inclusion of concrete drains and solar-powered street lights.
Speaking on behalf of Ugbo community in Arochukwu, Eze John Ogbonnaya Okoro, gave plaudits to the NDDC, stating: “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 life time, 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 Ogo Atani, Eze Dr. Charles Okoro, commended the NDDC for its intervention, underscoring the significance of the road as a crucial link connecting multiple communities that had been impassable for an extended period.
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According to him: “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.”
As he moved through the region, he remarked on the continued state of disrepair of the roads revitalized by the NDDC, stating that for years, their communities had struggled with inaccessible roads until the NDDC intervened. He expressed immense gratitude for their assistance and appealed for further help, especially concerning electricity, emphasizing the urgent need for transformers.
The NDDC Executive Director of Projects shared his insights following the inspection, emphasizing the significant impact of the road network. He asserted that the enhanced infrastructure would greatly influence the lives of the people, opening up new opportunities for trade and fostering social connectivity across states.
Antai gave community leaders confidence in the Commission’s unwavering resolve to prioritize infrastructural development within the Niger Delta region.
He declared: “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 pledged that NDDC would not relent in its resolve to transform the Niger Delta region by executing impactful projects in the region, noting: “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 youth from various communities in Arochukwu for their peaceful demeanor, which has created an environment conducive for the contractor to adhere to the job specifications and standards set by the NDDC, thus ensuring quality delivery.