Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti has assured the people of Abiriba Community of the government’s readiness to complete and optimize the Abiriba water project to ensure its full functionality and
tackle other issues affecting the community.
Governor Otti who emphasized the importance of not letting the valuable water project go to waste, also assured the community that his administration will take decisive action to revamp Abiriba Health Center as well as combat the persistent erosion challenges in the area.
The Governor gave the assurance during the inauguration of the Executives of the Abiriba Communal Improvement Union and launching of the 700 Million Naira Motor park for the Abiriba community in Aba.
Governor Otti represented by his special adviser on Trade, Commerce and Industry, Chief Nwaka Inem, said he would oversee the water reticulation project’s execution and assured that his office would conduct a fact-finding mission to the facility to assess the project status and ensure completion of the reticulation phase.
Inem recalled that he was involved in the administration of the Abiriba Communal Improvement Union as president, during which time the people made a representation at the national assembly as a result of the abandoned water project.
He said; “I was called in as the president of ACIU and I stood in that effort and communicated into bringing back light to Abiriba after 7 years.
“That effort resulted in getting the Federal government to award 400 million naira contact for the Abiriba Water project. That project was completed by the federal government but due to the negligence of the past state government, they could not activate that project for our people to enjoy.
“But I want to assure you that the government of Dr. Alex Otti will not allow that water project to be wasted. In the coming days, I’ll be going down to Abiriba with the commissioner for public utility to look at the project and ensure completion of the reticulation project”.
Inem reassured that the Abiriba General Hospital would soon undergo significant improvements in line with the government’s dedication to reviving healthcare centers across the state.
On the issue of erosion menace in Abiriba community, the Governor’s aide while emphasizing the government’s readiness to tackle all challenges faced by the people, urged the leadership of the ACIU to provide a comprehensive overview of all erosion sites in the area assuring that government would give them the needed attention.
Inem who commended the community for the successful launch of a 700 million naira motorpark in Aba however advised against pursuing projects not in line with the government’s programs and policies and encouraged them to always collaborate with relevant ministries and agencies before embarking on such initiatives.
He emphasized that the government’s key objective is to prevent motor parks from being located within the township and disclosed plans by the present administration to establish a central state-of-the-art park.
Inem who underscored the significance of the Abiriba community in Aba’s economic development, given their substantial population and voting strength, emphasized the enduring unity and love among the Abiriba people, especially in their pursuit of overall community development.
He congratulated the outgoing Executives for their steadfast leadership and diligent efforts, which have significantly improved the community.
The Governor’s aide while urging the President General of the union to develop programs and skills within the SME sector, in line with government’s policies to reduce unemployment and enhance employability among the Abiriba people, also encouraged the union’s leadership to capitalize on government programs for various skills acquisition initiatives.
Inem expressed confidence that the current administration would bring about substantial development for the Abiriba community and called for harmonious coexistence with their host community.
In an address, the Newly inaugurated President Prince Nwabueze Ogbuewu said that the event marks the unification and coming together of factions that had existed among them for the past 30 years, noting that the Abiriba community widely known for trade, Industries and development has contributed a lot to the Gross Domestic Earning of Abia and Nigeria at large.
He noted that the proposed Abiriba modern motor park if realized will create jobs and serve those traveling to Umuahia and other towns within Abia North and part of Ebonyi state.
