The Ministry of Works in Abia State has decided to undertake road maintenance within the Umuahia metropolis using its own workforce, a departure from the conventional practice of hiring contractors.
Don Oti, the State Commissioner for Works, shared this announcement during a recent gathering of ministry engineers. He emphasized that this shift in approach resonates with the administration’s commitment to a zero-pothole tolerance policy.
Oti expounded on the plan, indicating that Umuahia will serve as a trial zone for the new strategy, with intentions to later extend it to Aba, the bustling commercial hub, and other regions. To ensure efficient oversight and sustainable upkeep, the metropolis will be divided into three segments, each overseen by a designated engineer.
These engineers will receive the necessary training and resources for their tasks. Oti sternly noted that the appointed engineers will be held accountable for any shortcomings in the process.
Expressing his dissatisfaction with the previous methodology, Oti contended that it was unwise for a responsible administration to allocate valuable resources to contractors when a skilled pool of engineers is readily available in-house.
Ejike Agomoh, the ministry’s director, conveyed collective gratitude for Oti’s innovative strategy. He praised it as a definitive step forward and expressed confidence in Oti’s capability to lead the initiative successfully. Agomoh further pledged unwavering dedication from the engineers to ensure the initiative’s triumph and continued support for the administration’s goals.
