Abia decries vandalism of power assets, public projects

The Abia State Government has voiced worry over the surge in vandalism of government projects, especially power facilities, throughout the state. Speaking to the press on Tuesday following the Executive Council meeting held on Monday, the state's Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, said this issue was interfering with electricity supply and causing extra financial strain on the government.

He explained, "Acts like these disrupt electricity flow and impose a larger financial burden on the state government by covering costs of replacing stolen or damaged power assets." The Commissioner urged town union leaders, traditional rulers, and security forces to come up with new methods to tackle this escalating problem in communities.

He also called on all relevant parties to take responsibility for government projects in their areas, particularly those connected to power. Regarding flooding in various regions, Kanu stated that both ASEPA and the Ministry of Environment had been diligently clearing drainage channels across the state, even prior to the rainy season.

He noted that while floods are a natural consequence of rain, the government is striving to minimize their impact. The Abia Integrated Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Programme is currently working on various water projects, with five schemes, including pipeline recirculation, undergoing rehabilitation in different stages across three sanitary zones.

Engr. Ikechukwu Monday, the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, pointed out that climate change has exacerbated the frequency of flooding nationwide. He said, "Climate change has indeed caused numerous disasters, and we are currently experiencing significant flooding across the Federation." UCDA, the Umuahia Capital Development Authority, and the Ministry of Works are collaborating to address the issue holistically.

When disasters occur, various agencies involved in managing the state respond promptly to offer solutions, often without prior notice. The State Emergency Management Agency is responsible for providing aid to disaster victims, according to the Governor's Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma.