The board of directors of the African Development Bank Group has given the green light for a $115 million loan to support a significant road rehabilitation project in Abia State.

The project aims to rehabilitate roads, address erosion control, develop infrastructure, and establish solid waste management facilities in the state capital, Umuahia, and the commercial center, Aba.

Lamin Barrow, the Director-General of the African Development Bank’s Nigeria Country Department, emphasized that the project will enhance resilience by providing access to urban infrastructure services and essential amenities for the towns.

The project’s total cost is estimated at $263.8 million, with funding coming from various sources, including the African Development Bank, the Canada-African Development Bank Climate Fund, and the Islamic Development Bank.

The Abia State government will contribute $23.8 million as counterpart funding for compensation and the implementation of a resettlement action plan.

The project is expected to be completed by 2029, covering the rehabilitation of 248.46 km of roads and addressing erosion sites while exploring private sector involvement in solid waste management.