Flood Alert: Abia warns residents, orders clearing of drainages

Flood Alert: Abia warns residents, orders clearing of drainages

 

Abia State Government has urged residents to keep drainages free of refuse and avoid blocking waterways, following the Nigerian Meteorological Agency’s (NiMET) flood warning.

 

The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this yesterday while briefing journalists after the weekly Executive Council (EXCO) meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.

 

He said the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA) was working round the clock in Aba and Umuahia to clear blocked drainages, stressing that residents must support the effort by not dumping refuse in gutters.

 

Kanu added that the state would join the global community on September 25 to mark World Cleanup Day, noting that government was partnering stakeholders to ensure a successful exercise.

 

According to him, the recently introduced Sanitary Inspection Services—launched in August—has covered over 4,500 premises across 85 communities. He, however, cautioned sanitary inspectors against extortion, warning that only established environmental fines must be enforced.

 

The commissioner also announced that six new roads would soon be inaugurated, bringing to 39 the total number of roads delivered by the Otti administration.

 

On health recruitment, Kanu revealed that 2,035 applications were received for health worker positions, with 1,752 shortlisted. Out of these, 1,404 sat for the Computer-Based Test (CBT) in two batches. Interviews for successful candidates, he added, are ongoing.

 

In line with the administration’s “Keep Abia Clean” vision, he disclosed that a statewide tree-planting campaign had been approved to tackle erosion, improve urban aesthetics, enhance public health, and promote tourism.

 

“Tree planting will not only beautify the state but also improve climate conditions, reduce flooding, and boost Abia’s investment appeal,” he said.