Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Determined to improve on the condition of workers in the state, Governor Alex Otti, has promised extra one month salary as Christmas package for them.
According to the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, who gave the hint during a press briefing Tuesday in Umuahia, it would be the first time workers would be paid the 13th month.
He said that Governor Otti was committed to putting smiles on the faces of Abia workers.
“Government is committed to making Abia workers happy; December salary will be paid with the 13th month/”
The Commissioner further said that Government was fully committed to clearing the accumulated pension arrears of retirees before the end of the year as earlier promised.
He said that the reconstruction of Port Harcourt Road Aba awarded to Julius Berger, had commenced in earnest, assuring that it will be delivered on record time.
He also hinted that one lane of the six-lane Ossah road expansion would be delivered before Christmas, saying that the contractor handling the project has given the assurance to the Governor.
Kanu assured that the usual traffic congestion on the road would not be witnessed again as Government had made provisions for alternate entry and exit point to the state capital.
The Commissioner also said that one lane of the Aba/Port Harcourt Expressway would be through from Aba to Obigbo before Christmas.
Adding his voice, Commissioner for Lands, Hon. Chaka Chukwumerije, said that the Ministry had commenced the issuance of Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) within 30 days.
He said the action was in keeping with Otti’s promise to improve the Ease of Doing Business.
On the cost of processing the ‘C of O,’ Chukwumerije said it would be determined by the size of the land, adding that every application will be processed online.
He cautioned prospective applicants to be ware of middle persons, explaining that no middle persons are needed.
Deputy Chief of Staff to the Deputy Governor, Chinedu Ekeke, said that Government would soon address issues of arrears of leave allowances.
He said Gov Otti had come to change the narrative and give the people a new hope.