By Nnasom David

The Civil Society Organizations (CSO) Investigative Council has responded to public concerns regarding the construction of the Abariba-Ohafia to Ndi Okoroc Road in Abia North Senatorial District, Abia State.

In a statement signed by the council’s convener, Comrade Nelson Ossaieze, and made available to newsmen on Tuesday, the council addressed an investigation it initiated following an online video shared by Tochukwu Ogbuagu, an indigene of the area and social media influencer with Kepukepu TV.

Ogbuagu’s video raised concerns about certain sections of the road, sparking public discussions and prompting the CSO Investigative Council to conduct an independent assessment.

According to the council, the original road project was awarded for a 600-meter stretch with a budget of ₦250 million as part of a constituency initiative by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu. The scope of work included road construction and the installation of two side drains.

The council’s review confirmed that the initial 600-meter stretch was completed according to specifications and met the outlined engineering standards, with no major structural issues identified.

However, the project later received a community-requested extension of an additional 400 meters, funded separately by Senator Kalu with ₦52 million. The council’s assessment found concerns were primarily raised regarding this extended portion, where early signs of wear and drainage issues were observed. Local feedback indicated water pooling and minor cracks in the newly constructed section.

The CSO Investigative Council clarified that while the initial project was monitored by the Federal Cooperative College Oji River, the extension was managed independently, with no oversight role from the college in that phase.

The council encouraged Swiber Africa Limited, the contractor responsible for the project, to review and address the concerns raised about the extended section. Recommendations included resurfacing the affected stretch, reinforcing road layers, and improving drainage systems to ensure long-term durability.

Additionally, the council urged Senator Kalu to engage with the contractor to facilitate necessary improvements and ensure that the extended section aligns with the original project’s quality.

The Federal Cooperative College Oji River was commended for its transparency and accountability in overseeing the initial project. The council also emphasized the need for stronger independent oversight in future constituency projects to ensure quality assurance and sustainability.