…Discussing with EEDC to boost power supply
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Gov. Alex Otti of Abia State, has said that 26 new roads are at various stages of completion.
Otti who stated this during a media parley in Umuahia said his is committed to bridging the infrastructural deficit in the state.
He said his desire was to open up every part of Abia and make it attractive to investors, assuring that the old order is gone.
He acknowledged the great works of the engineers of the Ministry of Works in repairing street roads in the state, but said he had no intentions to incorporate a construction company for the state.
He said some reputable construction firms would still be engaged to handle some major road projects in the state for more desirable results.
The Governor said the zero-pothole policy of his administration for roads in the cities of Umuahia and Aba, had come to stay.
He said he came on board to change the narrative and deliver good governance on all sectors, declaring that Abia will soon become a model state and reference point for excellence.
Otti has embarked on massive reconstruction of roads across the state especially key roads in Aba and Umuahia, including Port Harcourt Road Aba, and Ossah Road Umuahia which is currently being expanded into a six-lane road.
Otti further disclosed his plans to rid the commercial city of Aba of perennial flooding.
He said the project would take 18 months to be delivered according to the design, adding that it will be phased.
Otti said that his administration “is passionate about fixing Aba” and making the city a major economic hub and a preferred destination for investors in Africa.
The Governor who decried the devastating effects of flooding in the commercial city due to its topography and poor sanitary mentality of residents, said his administration is committed to offering permanent solution to the menace.
He, however, pleaded with residents to change their attitude of dropping dirt indiscriminately and inside water drainages as they block the free flow of flood waters.
The Governor who said Government was making spirited efforts to attract investors to the state, pleaded with residents especially those in Aba, to complement Government’s efforts by ensuring a clean environment.
Otti who noted the need for more refuse bins in the city, disclosed that arrangements had been made to provide more bins in Aba and Umuahia in the coming weeks.
“Please don’t throw garbage anyhow. Look for the available refuse bins. We shall provide more bins in the weeks ahead.”
Responding to a question on the poor public power supply and the collapse of many electricity transformers in Umuahia the state capital, the Governor said the State was already in discussion with the Management of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, on how Government could be directly involved in power distribution in the capital city.
The Governor who said that similar discussion was also on-going with the Geometric Power, which is in charge of power distribution in Aba, expressed optimism that the outcome of the negotiations would be fruitful and beneficial.
Otti appealed to residents to be patient with his administration as efforts to address their power and other challenges are being intensified.
