Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Abia State Government has given reasons for the delays in the commencement of the six-lane road project in Umuahia the state capital.
Commissioner for Works, Otumchere Oti, who made the explanations during a press briefing after the State Executive Council meeting in Umuahia said the delay was as a result of the necessary processes that were involved.
He said that “work cannot commence without payment of compensation and demolition of structures.”
Meanwhile, the State Government has said that all was set for the inauguration of its computerised vehicle centre.
Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu who disclosed this at the press briefing, said the centre is located at Ubakala in Umuahia South Local Government Area.
The inauguration, according to him, has been scheduled for Wednesday.
Giving more insight on the project he said the idea was to ensure that all vehicles operating in Abia roads are road worthy in addition to reducing carnages in the roads.
Commissioner for Transport, Comrade Sunny Onwuma, who was also at the briefing explained that the centre was necessary to ascertain the number of vehicles “that are road worthy.”
He said it costs N1,700 to test each small vehicle while bigger vehicle would cost N3,000.
Kanu further disclosed that the State Government had commenced palliative works on the Umuahia-Ikot-Ekpene Federal road to provide the people with motorable road.
He also said that in line with the light up Abia project, about 36 streets had been lit up in Umuahia while the exercise will be extended to Aba- Owerri Road, Factory Road, MCC, Okigwe and Brass roads all in Aba.
The Commissioner said all the new roads being constructed in the Enyimba city would be accompanied with street lights.
Commissioner for Petroleum and Minerals Resources, Professor Joel Ogbonna, said that the State Government was ready to explore the array of solid minerals replete in the state.
He revealed that about 17 solid minerals are available to be harnessed including gold, kaoline, limestone among others.
This, he added, would provide investment and job opportunities in addition to boosting the State’s revenue base.
Prof. Ogbonna stated that government was at the moment set to go into appraisal of the quantity of the available solid minerals in the State and confirm whether the minerals are in commercial quantity before the actual exploration.
