The Abia government says plans are underway to establish the new Umuahia City as part of its transformation agenda for the state.

The information commissioner, Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Monday while briefing journalists on the State Executive Council meeting outcome in Umuahia.

Mr Kanu said the plan aligned with the Abia government’s comprehensive Urban Renewal Agenda.

According to him, the SEC has directed the general manager of the Umuahia Capital Development Authority to fast-track the development of a new Umuahia City.

He said the move was in response to the need to expand and modernise the current cityscape, which was considered limited in size and infrastructure.

The commissioner also said the government had ordered the immediate renovation and retrofitting of the long-abandoned Vocational and Skill Acquisition Centre at Mgbarakuma, near Umuahia.

He said the general manager of UCDA was instructed to ensure the facility was revived and made operational in the shortest possible time.
Kanu said that the government had taken a strong stance against the vandalism of government property.

He said the facility manager of the Aba Textile Mill and two staff members were being detained over a case involving the theft and destruction of equipment at the mill.

He said the government warned that anyone found vandalising public assets would face the full weight of the law.

(NAN)