Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Abia State Government has given reasons it is embarking on a 219-kilometer road projects, explaining that the initiative is to beef up the infrastructure deficit in the state.
Commissioner for Information and Culture, Prince Okey Kanu, who made the explanation while briefing newsmen in Umuahia, after the State Executive Council meeting, said the project was in partnership with the World Bank under the Rural Access Agricultural and Marketing Project (RAAMP).
Kanu who was flanked by the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mr Kingsley Anosike, said that the initiative was in line with the vision of the Gov. Alex Otti-led administration to transform Abia into a model state.
Part of the road projects, according to him, include the 19-kilometre Itungwa-Mgboko-Amairo-Amaise-Ahiahiabaubi-Umuoba Road, among others.
He added that additional 200-km roads would be constructed in various communities across the state.
The Commissioner further disclosed that the State Executive Council had approved in principle, Urban Renewal Initiative with focus on the development of Aba and Umuahia metropolis.
He said that the Urban renewal initiative would include construction of a central bus terminal in Umuahia, lay-bies and Junction works improvement in certain locations including Isi Gate and Cooperative junctions.
The Commissioner further disclosed that central bus terminals and trailer parks would also be constructed in Umuahia and Aba metropolis respectively.
He explained that the project, when actualised, would tremendously improve on mass transport system in the metropolis.
Kanu also said that the “Light Up Umuahia Initiative” as well as beautification of the state capital would extend to other councils in the state including schools.
On complaints that some workers are yet to receive their salaries, the Commissioner said that a Help Desk had been set up in the office of the Accountant General of the State where everyone with outstanding salary-related complaints could lay them.
He dismissed as baseless propaganda, allegations by the opposition that the Otti-led Government had nothing to show for in its 100 days in office.
According to him “social media rantings of the opposition in the state on the issue of achievements in the first 100 days in office of the present administration is a pure political chicanery.”
The Commissioner argued that the immediate-past administration which performed so abysmally, and owed salaries for many months, had no moral grounds to criticise the Otti’s administration.
