AfDB approves $115mn loan for Abia road rehabilitation
By Patience Ikpeme
A $115 million loan has been approved by the Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group, in support of a road rehabilitation project in Abia State Nigeria.
The project will involve the rehabilitation of roads, environmental infrastructure for erosion control and the preparation of solid waste management facilities in Umuahia and Aba, the state capital and commercial hub respectively.
The project is anticipated to cost $263.80 million, of which funding will come from the African Development Bank ($100 million), Canada–African Development Bank Climate Fund ($15 million), Islamic Development Bank ($125 million) and counterpart funding of $23.80 million from the Abia State Government.
Expected to be completed in 2029, the project will see the rehabilitation of 248.46 km of road with the opportunity for private sector participation in solid waste management in both cities.
The project will create 3,000 temporary and 1,000 permanent jobs mainly for young people who will be trained in contract management.
The population in the two cities, currently 1.37 million, will benefit from reduced travel time, fewer vehicle operating costs and a decrease in transport costs arising from improved infrastructure and amenities.
