Abia plans safe water alternative to community facing hydrocarbons supply source contamination
By Abdullahi Lukman
The Abia State government has established an emergency committee to provide clean water to residents of Mbaohia Ohanso in Ukwa East LGA following the contamination of their water supply by hydrocarbons.
The committee, led by the Commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, will coordinate immediate intervention, while the Ministry of Health has been tasked with assessing the health risks posed to the community.
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Okey Kanu, announced the measures on Monday during a press briefing on the outcome of the weekly Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
He said the state’s swift response demonstrates its commitment to protecting public health.
In other updates, Kanu revealed that the state would launch a workers’ contributory pension scheme this September, with Pension Fund Administrators already selected to manage the fund.
The government also confirmed it has completed compensation payments to verified landowners to facilitate the takeoff of the Abia Industrial and Innovation Park (AIIP).
Addressing security concerns, Kanu warned individuals involved in the extortion of traders at Ngwa Road Market, Aba, that the government had identified those responsible and would take legal action if the illegal activities continued.
He further stated that the state would crack down on drivers who violate traffic rules or pick up passengers at unauthorized locations, emphasizing that extortion in markets and motor parks remains strictly prohibited.
