In a recent development, the Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has given its approval for a loan of $115 million to support a major road rehabilitation project in Abia State. The initiative aims to address critical infrastructure challenges faced by the state, particularly in the capital city of Umuahia and the commercial hub of Aba.
The project, estimated to cost $263.80 million in total, will involve the rehabilitation of roads, the implementation of erosion control infrastructure, and the establishment of solid waste management facilities. Funding for the project will be obtained through a $100 million loan from the African Development Bank, a $15 million loan from the Canada-African Development Bank Climate Fund (CACF), and a $125 million co-financing loan from the Islamic Development Bank. The Abia State government will contribute $23.80 million in counterpart funding, which will be utilized for compensating individuals affected by the project and implementing a Resettlement Action Plan.
The road rehabilitation component of the project will cover a total of 248.46 km, with 58.03 km in Umuahia and 190.43 km in Aba. These roads will be upgraded to asphaltic concrete standards at varying cross sections. Furthermore, the project will address erosion sites in both cities and conduct preparatory studies for private sector involvement in solid waste management. Additionally, the initiative includes capacity building, project management, and the development of social infrastructure such as the rehabilitation of schools, sanitation facilities in educational institutions, community markets, and hospitals.
The completion of this project, anticipated by 2029, will bring substantial benefits to the estimated population of 1.37 million residing in Umuahia and Aba. The improvements in infrastructure are expected to result in reduced travel time, decreased vehicle operating costs, and overall lower transport expenses. Moreover, the project will generate approximately 3,000 temporary jobs during the construction phase, with a focus on empowering women, and around 1,000 permanent jobs during the operational phase. These permanent employment opportunities will particularly benefit the youth, accounting for 50 percent of the workforce. The Abia State government plans to provide training in contract management through the State Youth Road Maintenance Corps, which comprises young engineers from the state’s 17 Local Government Areas.
