The Abia State government has set up an emergency committee
headed by the Commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources to
provide potable water for the people of Mbaohia Ohanso community in
Ukwa East LGA, after their water was contaminated by hydrocarbons.
The state’s Ministry of Health is also to investigate the extent of danger
posed to the health of the indigenes and how they may have been
affected by the hydrocarbons.
Abia State Commissioner for Health, Okey Kanu, disclosed this on
Monday while briefing journalists on the outcome of this week’s
Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
Kanu said that the emergency response of the state government to the
water challenge underscored its commitment to the sound health of the
people. He announced that the Abia State government would, this
September, launch a workers’ contributory fund, adding that Pensions
Fund Administrators have been selected for the scheme.
Also, Abia has completed the payment of compensation to verified
landowners to enable the smooth commencement of the Abia Industrial
and Innovation Park, AIIP, he disclosed.
On the extortion of traders at Ngwa Road Market, Aba, by gangs of
persons, the Abia State government said it has gathered the identities
and families of those implicated in the criminal activities, warning them to
desist from their actions or face the wrath of the government.
Kanu, who reiterated that extortion of people in the markets and motor
parks remains prohibited, announced that the Abia State government
would arrest and prosecute those who drive against the traffic or pick
passengers at unapproved places in the state.
