Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has said he targeted youths in the Abia road maintenance corps in order to bring them face to face with current challenges, as well as granting them opportunity to contribute to building a better Abia as future leaders.
The governor while inaugurating the corps on Wednesday in Aba reminded the youths that the assignment calls for commitment, urging them seize this platform to show that they are prepared to take up leadership.
He charged them with the mandate of ridding Abia roads of potholes, especially those roads alreasy completed and commissioned by his administration, and institute a sustainable maintenance culture.
According to the Governor, the issue of maintenance culture has become a knotty one as billions of naira spent on infrastructure are often wasted due to neglect of such infrastructure soon after construction, a statement by Onyebuchi Ememanka, chief press secretary to the Governor says.
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The release noted that the first phase of the project will cover the 6 local government areas of Aba North,Aba South, Osisioma Ngwa, Obingwa Umuahia North and Umuahia South while the next phase will cover areas like Ukwa, Ohafia, Ikwuano and Isuikwuato.
The statement added, “He advised the young engineers to focus on areas that impact negatively on the people as well as to do their jobs during off peak hours including nights and Sundays.
“Governor Ikpeazu promised that funds will be released periodically to enable them carry out their assignments effectively.
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“The Governor directed the concerned Local Government Chairmen to make available the old Public Works Department (PWD) offices located in their Councils for the use of the newly inaugurated Abia Youth Road Maintenance Corps.
“He also urged members of the Corps to immediately commence their assignments by taking stock of all the potholes within their areas of jurisdiction for proper documentation and thereafter report to the respective Local Government Chairmen.
“Earlier, the Commissioner for Works, Elder Bob Chiedozie Ogu said members of the Corps were selected from each of the 6 Local Government Areas on the basis of 7 persons per Local Government. The pointed out that they have been certified fit having undergone theoretical and practical training, adding that the initiative is a brain child of the Governor.
“Highlights of the event was the hand over of construction equipment which includes asphalt cutters, rollers, mini pick up vans fitted with generatoling sets and Hallogen lights for night work and other basic road maintenance equipment.
“The event witnessed by the Chairmen of the six Local Government Areas as well as the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Engr. Okpara and the immediate past Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Elder Jacob Nwala.”
