Abia Raises Alarm Over Vandalism of Power Assets, Warns of Disruptions to Electricity Supply

The Abia State Government has expressed concern over the increasing vandalism of government projects, particularly power infrastructure, warning that the practice is disrupting electricity supply and increasing the cost of maintaining public assets.

The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Tuesday while briefing journalists on the outcome of the state’s Executive Council meeting held on Monday.

Kanu said the destruction and theft of power assets had created additional financial burdens for the government, which must spend money replacing damaged or stolen equipment.

He urged President-Generals of town unions, traditional rulers and security agencies to develop new strategies to tackle the growing problem in their communities.

The commissioner also called on residents and other stakeholders to take ownership of government projects, especially those related to electricity, to ensure their protection.

Abia Intensifies Efforts to Tackle Flooding

On flooding across several communities, Kanu said the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA) and the Ministry of Environment had made efforts to clear drainage channels ahead of the rainy season.

He acknowledged that flooding could still occur during periods of heavy rainfall but said the government was working to reduce its impact across the state.

Kanu also disclosed that rehabilitation work on five water schemes under the Abia Integrated Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Programme was ongoing.

According to him, the projects, which include pipeline recirculation, are at different stages of completion across three sanitary zones in the state.

Government Agencies Working on Flood Control

The Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Engr. Ikechukwu Monday, attributed the increasing incidence of flooding across the country partly to climate change.

Monday said several government agencies were implementing measures to address flooding in different parts of Abia.

He explained that the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA) was carrying out interventions in its area, while the Ministry of Works was also undertaking related projects.

In Aba, the Greater Aba Development Authority (GADA) had developed comprehensive plans for government interventions, he said.

Monday added that relevant agencies respond when new flooding problems emerge in communities to ensure that appropriate solutions are provided.

SEMA Handles Relief for Disaster Victims

Meanwhile, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, said the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) was responsible for providing relief materials to victims of disasters.

Ekeoma said the government would also find out what the agency was doing to ensure that affected residents received the necessary assistance.