The Abia state Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has given a 72 hour ultimatum to the owners of the portion of land along Umuocham Road Aba, which has been converted into an illegal refuse dump to completely clear the place of refuse or risk losing the place to the Abia State Government, ABN TV reports.
The Governor gave this ultimatum on Saturday while on inspection of the rehabilitation work on Umuocham Road. The Contractor handling the project told the Governor that the refuse overflow from the land remains a major challenge to the longevity of any work done around that area since all the drainage channels have been blocked by the refuse.
According to a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Onyebuchi Ememanka, the Governor decried situations where people convert every available empty space into a refuse dump leading to consistent deterioration of road infrastructure. He expressed deep disappointment and ordered the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA) to move into that place by Tuesday morning should the owners fail to take action by close of business on Monday next week.
The Governor directed ASEPA to clean up the portion while the Abia State Public Utilities Maintenance Agency (APUMA) to immediately convert the place into an open garden owned by the State Government.
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The Governor stated it clearly that he will revoke whatever right of occupancy held by the owners of the land and convert it to a public use since they have failed to take care of the place and allowing it to constitute both a major health nuisance and a threat to drainage channels and roads around that area.
Governor Ikpeazu stated that Government will not fold its arms and allow the negligence of a group of people to destroy public infrastructure built with huge public funds.
Earlier, the Governor inspected repair works on Umule Road, Umuocham Road as well as the Tonimas area just before the Port Harcourt – Enugu Express Way Junction.
The Governor commended the contractor on the fast pace of the work.
The Governor frowned at the sight of blocked drainage channels along the entire length of Umule Road and ordered ASEPA to set up a task force that will enforce the cleaning of drainages by residents and shop owners around the area.
Governor Okezie Ikpeazu restated his commitment to the infrastructural renewal of Aba and Abia State, and appealed to our people to assist the Government by keeping drainage channels in front of their houses and shops clean.
