The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, at the weekend, commenced the N4.3 billion rehabilitation of Owerri-Umuahia road, with emphasis of building a modern roundabout at Ahiara Junction in Mbaise as a way of immortalising the area based on its historical significance.

Cutting the tape to begin the road project with its drainage system on-going by the contractor, Zerock Nigeria Limited, the deputy speaker expressed delight that finally a monumental structure of Federal Government presence had reached the Ahiara junction which was where the late Ikemba Nnewi, Dim Chukwuemeka Odimegwu-Ojukwu, performed the famous "Ahiara Declaration" in 1967 during the Nigeria-Biafra civil war.

"Today is a landmark day for us in Mbaise. This project started three years aga at the National Assembly, and with its realization, it will de-congest traffic in this part of the country. Ahiara is in the history books because of Ahiara Declaration. This is a symbolic roundabout to mark the greatness of Mbaise," he stated.

Ihedioha who toured other adjourning spurs at Nkwogwu-Amuzi-Amakohia Ikeduru; and in Aboh Mbaise stated that the project as important as it links to Abia State and other local governments in Imo state, and thanked the Federal Government and his colleagues in the National Assembly for their support for the project.

According to him, I am satisfied so far for the level of work being put up by the contractor and charged them to put in more effort as to realise the project in record time.

The Chairman, House Committee on Works of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ogbuefi Ozomgbachi, promised that the House would carry oversight functions on regular basis to assess the projects being done throughout the country.

Earlier the Director, Public Procurement of the Federal Ministry of Works, Mr. John Chukwu, and his counter in the Highways, South-east, Mr. Godwin Eghieze, as well as the state Federal Controller of Works, Mr. F. Nwankwo, all urged the people of Mbaise to support the project so that development and progress would come in their area.

Chairman of Zerock Nigeria Limited, Mr. Charbel Habbib, promised to deliver the project in record time.