…Sets To Explore Solid Minerals In The State
FIC Report (Abia State) – Abia State Government is set to commission a Computerized Vehicle Centre at Ubakala, Umuahia South LGA.
The State Commissioner for Information and Culture, Prince Okey Kanu announced this while briefing the Press in Government House, Umuahia after this week’s State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Alex Otti. According to the Commissioner, the idea is to ensure that all vehicles that ply in Abia roads are road worthy in addition to reducing carnages in the roads.
Contributing, the Commissioner for Transport, Comrade Sunny Onwuma said that the Centre is necessary to ascertain the number of vehicles that are road worthy.
He added that a cost of testing each small vehicle is 1,700 Naira only while bigger ones will be 3,000 Naira only.
Prince Kanu disclosed that the State Government is carrying out palliative works on the Umuahia – Ikot-Ekpene Federal road to provide the people with motorable road.
He further disclosed that in line with the light up Abia project, about 36 streets have been lit up in Umuahia while the excercise will be extended to Aba- Owerri Road, Factory Road, MCC, Okigwe and Brass roads all in Aba.
He said all the new roads being constructed in the Enyimba city would be accompanied with street lights.
Also, the Commissioner for Petroleum and Minerals Resources, Prof. Joel Ogbonna disclosed that the State Government will take advantage of the 17 untapped solid minerals discovered in some communities to attract more Investors and bring more development to the State.
He maintained that Government is ready to explore the array of solid minerals that Abia is blessed with.
The Commissioner noted that the solid minerals which include kaoline, copper, limestone, gold, phosphate and coal would help create more avenues for the State government to provide job opportunities.
He revealed that the 17 solid minerals are available to tap into , maintaining that this would provide investment in addition to boosting the State’s internal generated revenue base (IGR).
Prof. Ogbonna restated that government is at the moment set to go into appraisal of the quantity of the available solid minerals in the State and confirm whether the minerals are in commercial quantity before the main exploration.
The 17 solid minerals were discovered in 10 local Governments Areas of the State including Arochukwu, Bende, Ohafia, Isuikwuato, Umunneochi, Ukwa East, Umuahia North and South, as well as Ikwuano.
Speaking also, the Commissioner for Works , Engr. Don Otumchere Oti said the delay in the commencement of works on the six lane Ossah road was as a result of processes that were involved, revealing that actual work cannot commence without payment of compensation and demolition of structures.
