Abia Govt Advances Power Projects, Assures Transparency In Land Acquisitions

The Abia State Government says its “Light Up Abia Initiative”, is progressing steadily, with ongoing efforts to restore electricity in underserved communities across the State.

The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, who disclosed this on Monday while briefing Journalists on the outcome of this week’s Exco meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti, said the Ohafia Power Restoration Project is in progress.

According to him, “The Ministry of Power and Public Utilities, in collaboration with the Greater Ohafia Development Authority (GODA), has completed the community sensitization programme precedent to the restoration of light to Ohafia”.

He explained that a 300 kVA/0.35 kVA transformer substation was being restored, while survey work for the routing of a 33 kVA line from Ihechiowa to Asaga, Ohafia, covering 27.69 kilometres, was ongoing.

“It is hoped that the restoration of light to Ohafia will be completed by the end of the year”, Kanu added.

The Commissioner further revealed that the Ministry has embarked on a community lighting project at the ward level to ensure rural areas are illuminated during the Yuletide season.

He also urged communities to cooperate with the Ministry of Lands during land acquisitions for Government projects, assuring that the Otti led administration remains transparent and fair in its dealings.

“Under this administration and under the watch of Governor Alex Otti, Abians will never be short-changed in terms of land acquired for projects”, Prince Kanu stated.

He added that all land acquired by the State Government would be wholly used for its intended purpose and noting that the present administration pays adequate compensation where necessary, despite the Land Use Act of 1978 vesting ownership of public lands in the Government.

“I want to put it on record that under this administration and under the watch of Gov. Alex Otti, Abians will never be short-changed in terms of land acquired for projects.

“Any land that this Government acquires will be wholly put to use for the project for which it was acquired.

“This administration is known to pay handsome compensation for any land it acquires for projects where necessary, despite the fact that the Land Use Act of 1978 places the ownership of public lands in the hands of government”, Kanu said.

By Amarachi Uzoukwu