ABIA: Umuahia-Uzuakoli Road Reconstruction To Be Flagged Off On Wednesday By Gov. Otti

This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Prince Okey Kanu, while briefing journalists at the Government House, Umuahia on the outcome of this week's Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.

Prince Kanu while noting that the road has been abandoned for a very long time, said it is a major arterial into the northern part of the State and deserves serious government attention.

He said the road has been divided into three sections and would be executed by three major contractors with Craneburg assigned to Umuahia- Uzuakoli stretch, Ferotex handling Uzuakoli -Akara Isuikwuato stretch while CCECC is to handle Abiriba- Ohafia axis.

Prince Kanu also announced that Government is embarking on maintenance of 22 new roads scattered across the State, adding that three new roads namely; Umuode, Bakassi and Umuehilegbu all within the Ariaria International market axis have been procured and ready for rehabilitation .

He said that the rehabilitation of the three new roads underscores the importance the administration of Governor Alex Otti attaches to developing infrastructure in the State especially as it concerns promotion of commerce and industry.

Prince Okey Kanu further informed that Government has outlawed multiple Task Forces in the State adding that a new single multiple purpose outfit will soon be introduced with stringent enforcement operations against illegal task force activities.

The Commissioner said that the State Government in a bid to elevate Umuahia to a true State capital, would in two weeks time begin the enforcement of policies aimed at removing unauthorized extension and building attachments, 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 the owners of the structures, insisting that there is no going back on the two weeks grace/deadline granted.

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 would be taken against anybody seen harassing people about taxes and other levies as the Dr. Alex Otti's administration has long ended the era of illegal revenue collections.

They noted that the payment of taxes and other levies approved by government is now done electronically and urged Abians and residents to always cooperate with government approved task force and enforcement officers who are empowered to check their payment receipts.