Julius Berger Nigeria Plc has disclosed that the Port Harcourt Road, Aba, will be completed before May 29, 2025.

In a statement, it was noted that with the award of the contract for the reconstruction of the famous Port Harcourt Road, Aba, to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, the lost hope that followed the sad deterioration of the road was about to be rejuvenated and restored, and it was not in doubt, adding that residents could not wait for the completion of the major road that connects Aba to Port Harcourt and the world from Enugu in the heartland of the East to Rivers State, the gateway to the South-South and South-West markets.

It stated, “For the records, Port Harcourt Road, Aba, is to be completed before May 29, 2025, accommodating major commercial, financial and industrial businesses, including socials. The adjoining streets from Park Road to Eziukwu Road, among others, proudly house more of these businesses. However, the falling apart of the hitherto busy road impacted adversely on the businesses that the people clamoured for a day redemption would come.

The statement read, “According to the contract for the construction of the road, it is for a three-lane carriageway with a total length of 5.7 km. It also includes the rehabilitation of Asa Road with the laying of a new binder and a wearing course of about 1.1 km in length with streetlights for the entire section.

”Last week, it was observed that work on the main Port Harcourt Road, Aba, is almost completed, with Julius Berger now concentrating on drainages and u-channels in the area at the Enugu-Port Harcourt highway junction. Already, business activities are returning on that axis, just as large portions of the road are now being plied by motorists and other road users. It was also observed that work on the main Port Harcourt Road, Aba, is almost completed, with Julius Berger now concentrating on drainages and u-channels in the area at the Enugu-Port Harcourt Highway junction. Already, business activities are returning on that axis, just as large portions of the road are now being plied by motorists and other road users.”

The project manager, Julius Berger Nig. Plc, Christian Kloepfel, gave the details to include earthworks and stormwater control, among others, on both sides of the road.

The manager said, “We effectively employed 17 security personnel from the Aba community, demonstrating a strong commitment to local engagement and economic development. By hiring residents for security, the project benefits from their familiarity with the area, enhancing site safety while simultaneously providing valuable job opportunities to the community. This approach not only strengthens the project’s relationship with the local population but also aligns with the social component of ESG standards, focusing on stakeholder engagement and community development.

“The employment of a local indigene as the public relations officer improved communication between the project team and the community, fostering trust. This strategy helps to mitigate potential social risks. These actions represent a best practice in sustainable project management, balancing operational needs with social responsibility, and should be upheld in future projects to ensure continued success and community support.

“Put more succinctly, the Port Harcourt Road, Aba Project Management prioritised sustainable waste management by actively involving local communities and stakeholders. Through open consultations and documented agreement, Julius Berger gained the people’s consent to use a designated dump site for construction waste, while ensuring transparency and alignment with environmental and community needs. The waste was not only disposed of responsibly but also levelled and spread evenly to prevent environmental degradation. This collaborative approach highlights our commitment to managing waste in a way that respects both the environment and the local community, fostering long-term sustainability while adhering to regulatory standards.“

A tricyclist, Sunday Obigbo, plying the road, said, “Our dear Enyimba City is about to be reborn. Thank you, Julius Berger, for the rebirth we are about to witness.”