ABIA STATE GOVT TO EXPLORE SOLID MINERALS IN 10 LGAs
REPORTER: PEACE AGBO
Abia State Government says it will take advantage of the 17 untapped solid minerals discovered in some communities to attract more investors and bring more development to the state.
The State Commissioner for Information and Culture, Prince Okey Kanu alongside other commissioners, stated this while briefing journalists at the Government House, Umuahia after this week’s State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Alex Otti.
The 17 solid minerals were discovered in 10 the local governments areas of the state, including Arochukwu, Bende, Ohafia, Isuikwuato, Umunneochi, Ukwa East, Umuahia North and South, as well as Ikwuano.
Prince Kanu noted the solid minerals which include copper, limestone, gold, phosphate and coal would help create more avenues for the state government to provide job opportunities.
Contributing, the Commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Professor Joel Ogbonna said that the State Government was ready to explore the varieties of solid minerals to boost the state’s Internally Generated Revenue.
Prof. Ogbonna explained that before the actual exploration, the government would appraise the quantity of the solid minerals to verify whether they are in commercial quantity.
The Commissioner for Transport, Comrade Sunny Onwuma, announced that a Computerized Vehicle Centre, which would ensure that all vehicles plying roads in the state were road worthy, would be inaugurated this week at Ubakala, Umuahia South Local Government area.
He said that the Centre would help reduce carnages on roads in the area.
On the delay in the commencement of works on the six lane Ossah road, the Commissioner for Works, Mr. Don- Otumchere Oti, said that actual work could not commence without payment of compensation and demolition of structures.
EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU
