Abia warns vandalism is worsening power supply and costs

The Abia State Government has expressed concern about increasing vandalism of public projects, particularly power infrastructure, across the state. Commissioner for Information Okey Kanu said on Tuesday that the damage was disrupting electricity supply and creating additional costs for the government, which must replace stolen or vandalised assets. Kanu urged town-union leaders, traditional rulers and security agencies to develop new strategies to curb the problem.

He also called on communities to take ownership of government projects, especially those connected with electricity. On flooding, the commissioner said the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency and the Ministry of Environment had cleared many drainage channels before the rainy season. He said the government was working to reduce the effects of flooding across communities.

Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities Ikechukwu Monday attributed the increasing incidence of flooding to climate change. He said the Umuahia Capital Development Authority, the Ministry of Works and the Greater Aba Development Authority were implementing plans in their areas. Kanu said rehabilitation of five water schemes, including pipeline recirculation, was underway in three sanitary zones under the Abia Integrated Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Programme.

The projects were at different stages of completion. Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity Ferdinand Ekeoma said the State Emergency Management Agency was responsible for providing relief materials to disaster victims. He added that the government would review the agency’s support for affected residents.