ABIA GOVT. FROWNS AT VANDALIZATION OF POWER ASSETS AND OTHERS .

Prince Okey Kanu

BY EZECHUKWU ADIMOHA…

The Abia state government has frowned at the rate of vandalization of power assets and other government projects across the state , describing such unwholesome acts as a deliberate disruption of the flow of electricity with its additional financial burden on Government.

The Commissioner for Information Prince Okey Kanu while addressing the press on the outcome of this week’s Executive Council, meeting at government House Umuahia,urged President-Generals of our town unions, Traditional Rulers, and security agencies to devise new strategies to curb the growing menace across communities.

“All relevant stakeholders are advised to take ownership of government projects in their communities, particularly those that relate to power”.

Prince Kanu also announced that restoration of Power to Ohafia, Abam in Arochukwu, Ezere to Acha in Isuikwuato LGA are all ongoing, noting that the Abam power project which is on the second phase will cover four communities while that of Ohafia is almost 100% completed.

He equally said that the Power Restoration Project in Nsulu Isialangwa North and parts of Ukwa East Local Government will commence in a fortnight, adding that
the Renewable Energy Deployment to various Primary Health Centers are ongoing as the State Government has set a new standard that all functionalized PHCs must be accompanied with renewable energy.

,”So the Ministry of Power is carrying out this directive to the later”

He said that the new 15 MVA Injection Sub-station Project at Ogurube layout Umuahia has commenced in collaboration with the Niger Delta Power Holding to improve power supply within the state capital, noting that when completed will bring a new lease of life to residents in Umuahia the state capital.

Contributing, the Commissioner for Power and public Utilities Engr. Ikechukwu Monday disclosed that the 4 communities benefitting from the second phase of the electricity restoration project in Abam include Atani,Ndi Oji and Ndi Ememe.

On Water Project, The Information Commissioner said The water projects under the Abia Integrated Water Sanitation and Hygiene Programme are ongoing, as rehabilitation of five water schemes, including pipeline reticulation are at different levels or stages of completion.

Answering questions on flooding in some communities in the state, Prince Kanu said, the state government through the ministry of Environment has visited and commiserated affected communities and victims of flooding, adding that efforts have been on to address causes of flooding in Aba and Umuahia even before the rains set in.

“there have been serious efforts on the part of both ASEPA and the Ministry of Environment to clear most of the drains in the state.

“They did all these before, even before the rain set in. Naturally, you know, the rains somehow, floods will happen. We are finding their way through the community. So, the state government is working very hard to ensure that these things, their occurrences are brought down to the barest minimum”.

Also speaking on the flooding issue,the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr Ferdinand Ekeoma, while attributing the flooding to climate change, said government is committed to addressing issues of flooding in flood-prone areas in Umuahia and Aba, adding that SEMA is working on providing relief materials to affected communities.

Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma

“when it comes to relief materials, SEMA (State Emergency Management Agency,) is handling that responsibility”, and “we will also find out what they are doing to ensure that victims are provided with the necessary support they deserve and desire at this point in time”.