Buhari inaugurates 12.5km MCC-Uratta road in Imo

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday inaugurated the reconstructed 12.5km MCC/Uratta Road in Owerri.

Buhari performed the ceremony during his visit to the capital city for a mega rally by the Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Sen. Bola Tinubu.

On arrival, the president paid a courtesy visit to the Chairman, Imo State Traditional Rulers’ Council, Eze Emmanuel Okeke, in his palace.

In a speech, the president commended Gov. Hope Uzodimma for his developmental stride in the state.

He said: “Thank you very much for associating me with your successes and this is one of them.”

Speaking earlier, Uzodimma said that the road was abandoned for over 39 years after the administration of late Sam Mbakwe.

“It took courage for us to embark on this project and we were able to find money to complete it to the jubilation and happiness of the residents,” he said.

He further hoped that the road would boost economic activities in the area.

The governor also hoped that the solar street lights would enhance security in the area.

In an interview with newsmen, Mr Uzoma Ogu, the Manager of Leo 9 Asphalt and Construction Nig. Ltd., which handled the project, said the project included the construction of drainage on the dualised road.

Ogu, who disclosed that plans were on to further extend the road to open up more communities, promised that the road would stand the test of time.

Also, a resident of the area and Chairman, Federal Housing Estate Neighbourhood Association, Chief Willie Amadi, commended the governor for completing the project.

Amadi said that the Dick Tiger and Chukwuma Nwoha Roads constructed by Uzodimma’s administration had eased transportation and socio- economic challenges in the area.

“This road was constructed by James Aneke in 1994 and completed up to Toronto/Ikemegbuoha by Col. Tanko Zubairu.

“It was a single lane road but we are happy today that Sen. Hope Uzodimma has dualised it with street lights and drains,” he said.

He also commended Buhari for the love and support given to Uzodimma, particularly for the construction of the Owerri-Okigwe Road, Owerri-Orlu Road and Owerri-Mbaise-Umuahia Road.

The road, which passes through the Owerri Office of the agency, was awarded for reconstruction by former Gov. Rochas Okorocha.

However, no sooner did work commence on the project, than it was abandoned, leaving the road in a more deplorable and impassable condition, especially during the rainy season.