Abia State government with the assistance of the World Bank under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), is set to undertake the construction of a total of 219 kilometers of roads in the state.
This includes the construction of the 19-kilometre Itungwa-Mgboko-Amairii, Amaise-Ahiabaubi-Nkwonwaelechi Omoba Road in Isiala Ngwa South LGA.
In addition, the state government would collaborate with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to provide technical support for implementation of the Integrated National Financial Framework which would focus on internally generated revenue, teaching digital economy and investment reforms.
The Commissioner for Information and Culture, Prince Okey Kanu announced this while briefing journalists at Government House Umuahia, on the outcome of this week’s Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
Prince Kanu emphasized the positive partnership between Governor Alex Otti’s administration and international donor agencies and multi-national organizations, which has led to these projects.
The Commissioner highlighted that these road projects are in addition to the five already completed roads in Aba, with street lights and water fountains which would soon be commissioned by the Governor.
He further stated that the present administration is committed to transforming Abia into an attractive destination for investors adding that “the idea is to put Abia state on a pedestal that will attract investors to the state”.
Furthermore, the Commissioner unveiled the Urban Renewal initiative of the state government saying it would focus on Aba and Umuahia, which will bring about the construction of bus terminals, the creation of new junctions, and other infrastructure improvements, with the aim of enhancing the transport sector.
“The whole idea is to improve the transportation infrastructure in the state. When these works are done, big buses will ply our roads to improve our mass transit system. In the weeks ahead this project will be rolled out, “Kanu said.
He said that the “Light Up Abia Initiative” in Aba and Umuahia was almost completed and would be extended to the headquarters of each Local Government Area(LGA), public schools and places of public importance in each Local Government Area.
Prince Kanu stated that the government has embarked on a ”Reclaim Our Schools Initiative” focused on the improvement of the learning environment and curriculum in public schools, adding that the government was willing to partner with interested individuals and organisations to achieve its goal.
According to him, the initiative would be focused on reforming the public schools to make them more effective in nurturing the Abia child.
Prince Okey Kanu reaffirmed Governor Alex Otti’s commitment to resolving issues regarding pension arrears and salary payments for workers in various MDAs and urged civil servants to report any salary-related concerns to the newly established desk office at the Office of the Accountant General for prompt resolution.
Addressing claims by the opposition that the administration had nothing to celebrate in its first one hundred days in office, the Information Commissioner emphasized that the present administration has continued to make giant strides in various sectors where it declared state of emergency and would not be distracted by the antics of the opposition.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mr. Kingsley Anosike, stressed that the primary objective of the “Reclaim Our Schools Initiative” is to improve education in public schools and added that solutions peculiar to meet the unique needs of each school will be implemented to avoid a one-size-fits-all approach.
Anosike, encouraged alumni associations, interested groups, and communities to actively participate in devising strategies for transforming their respective schools, in line with the state’s education agenda and campaign promises of Governor Alex Otti.
