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The Abia State Government has recently acquired an additional 22 buckets for waste disposal.
During a press briefing after the State Executive Council meeting, the Commissioner for Information, Mr. Okey Kanu, revealed that the Abia State Government, under the leadership of Gov. Alex Otti, took this action as part of efforts to enhance the state’s environmental cleanliness.
As stated by Mr. Okey Kanu, a total of 15 newly acquired buckets have been allocated to Aba, while 7 others were transported to Umuahia to address the shortage in both cities.
Prior to this development, sources indicate that Abia had less than 20 operational buckets for waste collection.
The Commissioner also revealed that the collective efforts of the State Government were complemented by the donations of buckets from public-spirited individuals in Aba, and he called for additional contributions to bolster their waste management initiatives.
It is worth noting that Governor Otti, in his inauguration speech, declared a state of emergency on waste management in the state and directed the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency, ASEPA, to carry out the evacuation of refuse dumps that were visible on numerous streets in Aba and Umuahia metropolis.
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Subsequently, he established a task force on waste management, which has helped in the elimination of piles of garbage that previously cluttered many streets, thus reducing traffic obstructions.
The Commissioner also provided insight into the ongoing palliative measures being taken on numerous roads in Aba, the state’s economic focal point. He underscored that revitalising Aba will subsequently result in the betterment of Abia as a whole.
He stated that in his pursuit to rebuild the dilapidated infrastructure in the state, Gov. Otti has already transformed Aba into a vast construction site.
Furthermore, the Commissioner disclosed that the Governor had recently inspected the non-functional Enyimba Hotels in Aba and expressed intentions to rebuild and convert it into a premium five-star hotel.
He went on to state that investors and key players in the hospitality sector have already signalled their willingness to participate in this vision.
Additionally, the Commissioner highlighted that Gov. Otti’s corporate background is propelling him to redouble efforts in bolstering Abia’s ranking in the ease of doing business index, with the objective of attracting increased investments to the state.
He mentioned that Gov. Otti’s topmost agenda is to elevate Abia into a major industrial hub within the West African sub-region.
He reiterated the State Government’s preparedness to ensure timely payment of workers’ salaries and pensions, stating that the era of salary arrears had come to an end.
According to him, in accordance with the Governor’s pledge, Abia workers were paid their July salary on the 27th of July.
