Gov. Alex Otti of Abia announced the completion of the rehabilitation of 90 roads that were in various states of disrepair when he took office.
During a press briefing at the Government House in Umuahia, Otti highlighted that these roads were reconstructed by the Ministry of Works using direct labour, aligning with the administration’s Zero Pothole Policy.
He said, “All the 90 roads were done by our Ministry of Works by direct labour, and some of them fit into our Zero Pothole Policy. We have reconstructed and rebuilt and inaugurated 16 roads.
“We have also worked on another 16 roads at the moment and the total length of the 16 roads is about 165 kilometres running through the different senatorial districts of the state.”
The Governor said that the State Government had awarded the “long abandoned and very difficult Ohanku Road.”
The Governor also mentioned the strategic importance of the long-neglected Ohanku Road in Aba, now under reconstruction using rigid pavement technology.
“For those who have visited the area, I am sure that you would confirm that work has started on the road, so also a few other roads in Aba.
“We are very strategic about roads because we believe very strongly that access is key to a thriving economy.
“We have a plan to touch every road in every Local Government in the next 12 months.
“At the moment, we are compiling a list of the strategic roads that we will take on as we go into our second year,” he said.
On healthcare, Otti outlined efforts to rehabilitate general hospitals and primary healthcare centres in phases, along with ongoing work to improve the State University Teaching Hospital, which has already secured accreditation for 19 disciplines.
“Of course, the state University Teaching Hospital is on course, a lot of work needs to be done both in terms of infrastructure and the skills.
“I understand that 19 disciplines or areas have already received accreditation, we will continue to build on that,” he stated.
In education, Otti reported the initiation of a public school remodelling project to improve educational standards and learning environments. He acknowledged the challenges but stressed the administration’s steady progress.
“We are not discouraged. We are just taking them in phases. We are not complaining but it is important that we remind ourselves where we are coming from and know that Rome was not built in a day.
“The most important thing is that we are moving in the right direction,” he said.
Focusing on agriculture, Otti highlighted the state’s initiative to train 300 individuals in mechanised farming in Nasarawa, with plans to boost the production of key crops like palm oil, rubber, cocoa, plantain, and rice through partnerships with reputable organisations.
He said, “In the last one week, we had dispatched 300 persons of Abia origin to Nassarawa to do sophisticated mechanised agricultural training by CSS Farms, one of the leading farms in the country
“These 300 people were drawn from the 124 political wards, as the whole idea is that they would be able to train others as they come back. So, all these are geared toward achieving food security.”
Addressing security, Otti reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting lives and property, condemning the recent killing of five soldiers in Aba on May 30, vowing to apprehend those responsible. He assured that the government would take decisive action against any remaining hoodlums.
On workers’ welfare, Otti confirmed that salaries are now paid on the 28th of every month, and efforts are underway to resolve issues inherited from the previous administration, including promotions and leave allowance arrears.