The Senator representing Abia North, Orji Kalu, has intensified road projects in the district with the ongoing reconstruction of the Akoli Imenyi Road in Bende Local Government Area, describing the project as a vital boost to the economic and social life of communities in Abia North.
In a statement made available to newsmen on Friday, Kalu, who is the current Chairman of the Senate Committee on the South-East Development Commission, expressed his delight at the progress of the road project, noting that the road would enhance commerce, agriculture, and social interactions across rural communities in the area.
“I am pleased to update you on the reconstruction of Akoli Imenyi Road in Bende LGA, a vital route that serves our communities and boosts local economic activities.
“This project is part of our commitment to improving rural infrastructure, easing transportation, and opening up more opportunities for trade, agriculture, and social development in Abia North,” the former Abia State governor stated.
The former Chief Whip of the Senate further assured constituents that he would continue working with relevant agencies to ensure the road is completed on schedule for the benefit of the people.
Since being elected to the Senate in 2019 as the representative of Abia North, Kalu has spearheaded numerous infrastructural interventions across his constituency, which include road rehabilitation projects, classroom renovations, health centre upgrades, and the facilitation of water supply schemes to underserved rural communities in Abia North.
As SEDC Committee chairman, Kalu has consistently advocated for equitable development in the South-East, emphasising that rural infrastructure remains a crucial driver of sustainable growth and improved living standards.
His renewed focus on Akoli Imenyi Road underscores his broader vision of linking communities in the area, boosting local trade, and positioning Abia North as a hub of agro-economic activities in the region.
Recent key projects facilitated by the lawmaker include road Infrastructure like the rehabilitation of Lokpaukwu–Lokpanta Road, Umunneochi; Reconstruction of Ebem Ohafia township roads, ongoing reconstruction of Akoli Imenyi Road, Bende LGA; Intervention on Ndi Okorie–Item–Amankalu road and road projects in Isuikwuato linking farming communities to major markets in the area.
In education area, it includes renovation and equipping of classrooms across the five LGAs of Abia North, distribution of learning materials and furniture to public schools, as well as construction of model classroom blocks in rural communities, while in the area of healthcare, his projects include upgrade of selected primary health centres with solar power installations, supply of medical equipment and drugs to rural clinics and facilitation of medical outreach programmes for indigent residents.
To enhance hygiene and economic activities Kalu embarked on Water & Power projects with the provision of boreholes in Arochukwu, Bende, and Ohafia communities and Rural electrification projects through solar-powered street lights, and in the area of youth and community empowerment, he embarked on the distribution of agricultural inputs and machinery to farmers, skill acquisition programmes and small business support grants and also annual scholarships for indigent students in both local and foreign tertiary institutions.
