Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has pleaded with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to expedite the completion of ongoing road and erosion control projects in the state.
During a working visit by the Managing Director of the NDDC, Dr. Sam Ogbuku, and several Commission Directors, Otti brought up the issue of the severe erosion crisis affecting the Ovom community. This issue has not only damaged buildings but has also severed the road into two separate sections.
The Governor also emphasized other projects in the Aba, Arochukwu, and Umuahia North regions, which have been left unfinished due to outstanding payments owed to the contractors.
He said; “In Abia, we have a lot of challenges. The major ones are in places like Aba, Umuahia, Isuikwuato, and Umunneochi area. Erosion in Ovom community in Aba had cut a road into two, creating a massive gully which led to the collapse of buildings in the area. By yesterday (Thursday), I gave an ultimatum that they should evacuate everyone because every day we are losing the road. So, we would approach you, if it is possible, you assist us in dealing with that.”
“But there are also a lot of abandoned projects. One of them is very close here and links this place to the Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Headquarters. As at the last time I passed there, I estimated that it was about 60% completed. Somewhere along the line funding ceased.”
He encouraged the NDDC to finalize the unfinished projects, emphasizing the importance of not letting the progress achieved so far go to waste.
The Governor conveyed his trust in the NDDC team’s ability to guide the commission to even greater achievements.
Previously, Ogbuku informed the Governor that he and his team were in Abia for the inauguration of the Aqua Culture Training Center in Umuahia and found it appropriate to visit him.