The Abia State Government has intensified efforts to curb open defecation by constructing modern public toilet facilities across the state.
Additionally, the government has approved the formal rollout of the state health insurance scheme to provide Abia workers and residents with access to affordable healthcare services.
The state Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Wednesday while briefing journalists on the outcome of the State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting, chaired by the governor He stated that the Ministry of Power and Utilities “has made tremendous progress with the state WASH programme, which involves the construction of modern toilet facilities to discourage open defecation in public places.”
“In this regard, construction works are ongoing in Okigwe Park, Umuahia, Umuwaya in Umuahia North, Abia Tower, Umuahia, and then Umuoba Road by Total Filling Station in Aba, amongst other places,” he said. He emphasised that the initiative aims to safeguard society from potential epidemics linked to open defecation.
Kanu further noted that the ministry is making significant progress on water projects across the state. He referenced the Aro Ajatakiri water pollution case in Ikwuano LGA in 2024, stating that “the water project embarked upon in the area has been completed 100%, while others in various locations are nearing completion.”
On healthcare, the commissioner confirmed that the state EXCO had approved the formal rollout of the state health insurance scheme, saying, “This underscores the high premium the state government places on the health sector. It is a scheme that will grant Abia workers and, indeed, Abia citizenry access to affordable health services.”
He also provided an update on Project Ekwueme, which involves the construction of 200 primary healthcare centres across the 24 wards in the state.
“The project is progressing very well and has reached a completion rate of about 60%. What this means is that in the next few weeks, that project will be completed and fit for commissioning,” he added.
Further explaining the insurance scheme, the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Enoch Uche revealed that the state government had earmarked N1 billion for the initiative, with N500 million already provided as the first tranche.
Workers will contribute 5% of their basic salary, while the state government will provide 10%.
“This will take off by the 1st of April 2024 to enable the state join the league of other states enjoying the scheme,” he said.
On education, Kanu stated that the teacher recruitment exercise is progressing well, and the Computer-Based Test will proceed as planned.
He said the recruitment portal, which was initially closed, was reopened and will remain open until March 12 to allow applicants with issues regarding their credentials, age, and phone numbers to update their information. Afterwards, a new list will be published.
Meanwhile, Governor Alex Otti has appointed Dr. Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Meribeole as his Special Adviser on Project.
A retired Federal Permanent Secretary who previously served at the Ministry of Aviation, Meribeole, will, among other duties, oversee the Abia Airport Projects, according to Kanu.
