by In his avowed commitment to fixing infrastructural deficits as it concerns road network, Abia state Governor, Dr Alex Otti will on Wednesday this week, flag off the reconstruction of the Umuahia-Uzuakoli-Ohafia road.
The State Commissioner for Information and Culture, Prince Okey Kanu who dropped the cheering news while briefing journalists on the outcome of this week’s Executives Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti, noted that the road has been abandoned for a very long time, and it is a major entry into the northern part of the state.
Prince Kanu disclosed that the road which has been divided into three sections will be executed by three major contractors with craneburg assigned to Umuahia-Uzuakoli stretch, Ferotex handling Uzuakoli-Akara Isuikwuato stretch while CCECC is to handle Akara-Ohafia axis.
The information Commissioner called on Abians within the stretch of the roads to troup out en masse to witness the flag off ceremony.
He also announced that Government is embarking on maintenance of 22 new roads scattered across state, adding that three new roads including Umuode, Bakkasi and Umuehilegbu all within the Ariaria international market axis are ready for commissioning.
According to the Information Boss, the rehabilitation of three new roads underscores the importance the administration of Governor Alex Otti attaches to developing infrastructure in the state especially the ones that promotes trade, commerce and industry.
He further explained that government has outlawed multiple taxation, adding that a new single multiple purpose outfit will soon be introduced with stringent enforcement against illegal tax force activities.
The Commissioner said that the state government in a bid to elevate Umuahia to a true state capital, will in two weeks time, enforce policies aimed at removing unauthorized extension and building attachment, emphasizing that commercial and residential buildings are expected to be utilized according to their designated purposes.
Speaking on the proposed demolition exercise, the General Manager, Umuahia Capital Development Authority, UCDA, Mr Kingsley Agomuo, said that affected illegal structures have been identified since November last year while government has already engaged owners of the structures, insisting that there is no going back on the two weeks grace/deadline granted.
Answering questions from newsmen on the activities of touts in Aba and Umuahia, the Commissioner for Budget and Planing, Mr Kingsley Anosike and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr Ferdinand Ekeoma said drastic measures will be taking against anybody seen harassing people on taxes and other levies as the Dr Alex Otti’s administration has long ended the era of illegal revenue collection.
They noted that the payment of taxes and other levies approved by government are now paid electronically, and urged Abians and residents to always cooperate with government approved tax force who are empowered to check their payment receipts.
