Julius Berger Construction Company has stated that it is on course to complete Port Harcourt Road, Aba.

In a statement, the company said the road connects the city to Port Harcourt City 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 noted that the road has been deteriorating, leading to the award of the contract for the reconstruction of the famous Port Harcourt Road, Aba to industry giant, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc.

“The Port Harcourt Road, Aba accommodates 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.

It said the contract of the road is a three-lane carriageway with a total length of 5.7km and includes the rehabilitation of Asa Road with laying of new binder and wearing course of about 1.1km length with streetlight for the entire section.

The Project Manager, Christian Kloepfel, gave the details to include earthworks and stormwater control among others on both sides of the road.

“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.”

Speaking on the project’s success story last week, the manager said, “we effectively employed 17 security personnel from the Aba community, demonstrating a strong commitment to local engagement and economic development.”

Kloepfel added that 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.”