Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Abia State Government has announced that it would distribute 24,000 bags of 25kg rice to civil servants in the state.
This, according to the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, is part of plans to reduce hardship on Abia workers.
Briefing newsmen on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council meeting, the Commissioner said out of the 60,000 bags of 25kg rice expected from the Federal Government, 24,000 bags had already been received.
He added that about 12,071 bags would be distributed to civil servants from Salary Grade Level one to seven (SGL. 01 – 07) in the first phase.
The Commissioner further disclosed that when the expected balance of thirty six thousand bags are received, they would be distributed to civil servants of Salary Grade Level eight to ten (SGL. 08 – 10).
The information Commissioner expressed the hope that the rest of the palliatives being awaited from the Federal Government would soon arrive.
“We have about six hundred and sixty three thousand metric tons of maize which translates to about thirteen thousand, two hundred and sixty bags of 25kg each. There’s also 79.9 metric tons of garri which translates to about three thousand one hundred and ninety six bags of 25kg each.
“Before now, we have focused on the vulnerable ones in society. At every turn, we try to give the palliatives to those who need them most,” Prince Kanu stated.
He underscored efforts made by the state government to tackle the perennial flooding in Aba, pointing out that the state government is currently desilting drainages to avoid flooding during this raining season.
According to him, the state government has desilted about 40 kilometres of roads in Aba to mitigate the perennial flooding being experienced each year in the commercial nerve centre of the state.
Prince Kanu who recalled that the Governor recently received officials of the UN habitat, who are preparing the Aba Master Plan, noted that the master plan when completed would address the issue of flooding in Aba. He called on Aba residents to ensure they dispose their refuse in designated places to complement government’s efforts in keeping the environment clean.
The Commissioner announced that the state government has commenced the second phase of the ‘Light Up Abia Initiative,’ saying that such roads and streets as Georges Street, Park Road, Aba-Owerri road – from Osisioma to MCC road junction – among others in Aba and Orie Ugba-Post office, Afara technical to Okpara avenue, State Secretariat and Ministry of Women Affairs all in Umuahia are affected.
Responding to a question raised about the Light up Abia initiative, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr Ferdinand Ekeoma, explained that the government has noted the places the lights are not glowing as expected and assured that they are being fixed to meet the standard expected of them.
Contributing the Special Adviser to the Governor on Policy and Interventions, Rev Father Christian Anokwuru said although, the state is yet to receive the palliatives from Dangote Foundation as promised, the state is hopeful to receive same as it has received official mails to that effect.
The Director General, Greater Aba Development, Mr Uche Ukeje, who was also at the briefing, said that contrary to speculations, Julius Begger handling the rehabilitation of Port Harcourt Road Aba, had not absconded.
He said that construction work was still on going at the site, adding that some precast work is going on at the firm’s yard.
