…Hints on plans to commence expansion of Onuimo, Owerrinta roads to 6-lane
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Abia State Government, has said that its Zero Pothole Initiative has metamorphosed into a policy of State that would last till the end of the Gov. Alex Otti-led administration.
Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, who disclosed this during a press briefing after the State Executive Council meeting, also hinted of plans by the State Government to extend the on-going expansion of Ossah Road to six-lane road to Onuimo boundary with Imo State.
He also said that similar feat would be replicated at the Owerrinta road from Imo River to the Enugu Port Harcourt Expressway to give a befitting entrance from Imo to Abia State.
Ikengaonline reports that the expansion of Ossah Road Umuahia into six-lane road which was flagged off in November 2023, is now nearing completion amid public accolades.
The Information Commissioner said that members of the State Executive Council deliberated and resolved that potholes on Abia roads especially within the metropolis would disappear as soon as they are noticed.
“The Government has taken a position and it is now a policy that wherever any pothole is seen around the state, it would disappear in a matter of days and that will continue till the end of this administration.”
Prince Kanu assured that in addressing the Owerrinta and Onuimo projects, due process would be followed to manage the displacement of individuals.
He noted that government having drawn from the successful experience with Ossah road, where communities and those affected were handled seamlessly, is committed to replicating the approach in the Owerrinta and Onuimo projects, which he stated would unfold in due course.
The Commissioner emphasised that the smooth execution on Ossah road would serve as the state government’s blueprint for ensuring a similar positive outcome.
“Due process would be followed in terms of those who would be displaced by the project. We’ve had an experience with Ossah road and we are aware of how smooth it was at Ossah, how we handled the communities there and and all those who were affected by the new road. The same thing will apply at Onuimo because Ossah road is the first phase, the second phase is Onuimo and that would come up in due course.”
Prince Okey Kanu further said government has commenced the fencing of the Lokpanta Cattle Market and it would soon near completion.
He said it is a project that is so dear to government. He added that the Small Town Water Project would commence by the first quarter of the year.
On power, the Commissioner said Government had concluded plans to acquire and distribute electric transformers to communities and areas of need to boost power supply in the state.
“Government is taking serious steps in ensuring that the power infrastructure in the state is gotten right.
“In terms of power, the government is determined to ensure that we get the power sector right because power is a serious enabler for business. In that regard, government will be making some investments in that regard. Sometime early in the year, there will be some distributions of transformers around the State, particularly to the areas that need transformers most,” Kanu stated.
He said, the Light Up Abia Initiative has taken route into Ohafia LGA, recalling that government started it in Umuahia, extended it to Aba and now Ohafia, assuring that it would go round the State as time goes on.
Contributing, the commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Mr Ikechukwu Monday, said that plans are on the way to commence the replacement of faulty electricity transformers across the State, assuring that all affected areas would benefit from the gesture.
The Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Mr Chaka Chukwumerije, said that Certificate of Occupancy could now be accessed within 30 days as part of the Government’s resolve to improve ease of doing business.
