Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has just announced during his monthly press conference that his government is prepared to tackle the recurring problem of flooding in the town, especially around the Ariaria International Market and its surroundings. He said the flood control project in Aba was ambitious and he wanted to outrun the rains. According to him, it would take more than 18 months to definitively resolve the problem.
The governor also stressed that plans were underway to de-silt blocked pipelines in Aba and Umuahia to protect roads and the environment from flooding. He also said that his government was making many efforts to keep the environment clean.
In this context, an awareness campaign led by the Abia Orientation Agency was launched to educate the population on the importance of proper waste disposal and a clean environment. The governor called on residents to support government efforts by disposing of their waste properly and in approved locations.
Governor Otti also reacted to the harmful activities of the “agberos” in some parts of the state, including Aba and its environs. He said the government had banned their activities and was not using them to generate revenue. He asked the population to resist their extortion attempts.
Additionally, Governor Otti discussed reforms being implemented in the civil service to promote accountability and ensure that only those who deserve to be paid actually get paid. He also reaffirmed his commitment to resolve the pension arrears, stressing that he was working closely with the Nigerian Union of Pensioners to find a solution to the problem.
Regarding the health and education sectors, the governor highlighted their importance for the development and general well-being of the population. He said his government was working to address dilapidated infrastructure, especially roads, by initiating the construction of 26 new roads and completing several others.
In conclusion, the Abia State government, led by Governor Alex Otti, is determined to address the challenges facing the region, especially flooding and all-out problems. It is putting in place measures to unclog pipes, raise public awareness about waste management and reform the public service. These actions aim to improve the quality of life of residents and promote the development of the State.