Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has officially launched the Abia State Integrated Infrastructure Development (ABSIID) project, a strategic move to give new impetus to road infrastructure development and mitigate the menace of gully erosion.
Speaking at the launch of the project held at the JAAC Building, Ogurube Layout, Umuahia, Governor Otti said that ABSIID would also accelerate the development of robust waste management infrastructure and informed the audience that the ABSIID initiative certainly holds multiple promises for the economic, environmental and social realities of Abia State.
“Beyond just improving the stock of road infrastructure to connect communities, farms to markets and dreams to ventures, we are optimistic that ABSIID will fast-track the pace of job creation in agriculture, transportation and light manufacturing.
“Additionally, the erosion control component of the project will bring succour to communities facing imminent threats from the forces of nature while the waste management element will in addition to improving what we are already doing with sanitation in urban and semi-urban destinations; create new pathways for profitable investments and decent jobs in the ecosystem.” Gov. Otti stated.
The State Chief Executive disclosed that the terms of agreement with the partners are very favourable, and assured that every fund that the State would receive for the initiative would be judiciously applied.
“In truth, the conception of this initiative preceded the coming of our administration but then, the fact that it took our coming on board to materialise speaks to the growing confidence of multilateral partners in the development trajectory of the State under our leadership.
“This government did not just take steps to actualise the ABSIID initiative, we worked tirelessly with the partners to broaden the scope from a narrow focus on urban roads when it was first conceived over a decade ago to a robust public sector vehicle for holistic development along critical frontiers covering road rehabilitation, erosion mitigation, and waste management.
He thanked the Federal Government, for the technical support it provided and the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy and his team for their roles in the project as well as appreciated three major development partners including, the African Development Bank (AfDB), Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), and the Canada-Africa Development Bank Climate Fund (CACF) for their support in the New Abia train under the aegis of Abia State Integrated Infrastructure Development Project (ABSIID).
In his speech, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of Economy, Wale Edun, represented by Dr. Oyadele Akonde, said that the initiative represents a significant growth in the collective efforts to drive economic growth, improve infrastructure and finance the quality of life for Abia State’s citizens.
He Commended Governor Otti for his unwavering commitment to the project since he assumed office and his provision of road infrastructure in Abia State.
“His Excellency has shown capacity with the State funds, because when we came here 2 years ago, we saw the situation of the State and today, we are happy to see what His Excellency has been able to do within the State.
Earlier in an address, the state Commissioner for Works, Engr. Otumchere Oti, while enumerating the importance of good road network which the project would provide, explained that the project would not only enhance transportation but reduce travel time and cost, create jobs across the State and thanked the delegation as well as the Governor for his commitment to delivering the dividends of democracy.
In their goodwill messages, the Director General of African Development Bank, Dr. Abdul Kalam (AfDB), and the representative of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), affirmed their commitment to the project and assured that they would work together to achieve the aim of the partnership.
The Secretary to Abia State Government, Prof. Kenneth Kalu, the state Head of Service, Mr Benson Ojeikere, Commissioners, 17 LGA Mayors, top government appointees among other distinguished personalities were present during the meeting.
