by By Amarachi Uzoukwu
The Abia state Government says plans are underway to revitalize all Regional Water Schemes across the state and restore them back to full operation.
The State Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Mr Ikechukwu Monday disclosed this when he undertook a comprehensive intervention tour of government facilities in Abiriba and Nkporo, Ohafia LGA, in company of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade, Commerce and Industry,Chief Nwaka Inem.
Some of the facilities visited in response to Governor Alex Otti’s mandate to revitalize the water projects and moribund facilities include; the Abiriba regional water scheme, Abiriba Water Board, Abiriba Injection Sub- Station and the Nkporo Water scheme.
The team also visited some private owned companies including the B2M Industries Ltd, Jodins Water factory and Shoe Planet all located in Abiriba, Ohafia LGA.
Mr Monday noted that the purpose of the tour was to assess the current operational status of public utilities in the area and assured that government would address the challenges in power supply and water infrastructure.
The Commissioner expressed dismay over the high level of vandalism in government facilities visited and urged the people to support government by protecting it’s facilities in their area.
While emphasizing that the present adminstration’s primary objective is to ensure access to clean drinking water for the citizens, Mr Monday, expressed determination to inspect all 58 water schemes across the state.
“Our target is to bring these water schemes back to life and we believe by the grace of God, we will achieve it. We have taken the first step to see things for ourselves. We will do a proper technical assessment so that we will kickstart the necessary improvements”.
He noted the challenges in power supply faced by industrialists and industry owners, especially those in rural areas like Abiriba, and revealed ongoing efforts by the state government to collaborate with power distribution companies, such as EEDC, to improve the area’s power supply.
Also speaking the Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade, Commerce and Industry, Chief Nwaka Inem while reaffirming the state government’s commitment to revitalizing moribund industries across the state, disclosed that discussions are currently ongoing with both international and local investors to that effect.
The Governor’s Aide pointed out that the present adminstration is addressing issues that led to industry closures, such as succession conflicts and managerial challenges and disclosed that government plans to provide technical support and assist Industries with credit issues.
“I want to encourage other Abiriba indigenes and similar investors to put up such facilities within their area to stern the high tide of rural urban migration, create employment opportunities for the teeming youths to keep them engaged in meaningful activities”, Inem said.
Also speaking, a Telecommunications Expert, Chief David Ogba Onuoha, lauded Governor Otti for his proactive measures in providing essential services such as water and electricity to the community, which he said are the primary needs of the local residents and expressed the community’s commitment to supporting the current administration as well as safeguarding government assets within their domain.
Our correspondent reports that the team also paid courtesy to the Enachioken of Abiriba Kingdom, Eze Kalu Kalu Ogbu IV.
