The Presidential Committee on Flood Relief and Rehabilitation has officially handed over the completed internally displaced persons facility to the Abia government.

The facility is located at Mgbarakuma-Ubakala in Umuahia South LGA.

The representative of PCFRR, Onimode Haruna, handed over the keys and documents to Sunday Jackson, the Executive Secretary of the Abia State Emergency Management Agency, on Saturday.

Mr Haruna, who expressed satisfaction with the project’s completion, urged the State Government to ensure proper utilisation of the facility. He further urged the state to take ownership of the structure through proper maintenance and security.

The project, executed by Vickel Global Resource Limited, was initiated by the committee as part of its interventions across 24 states of the federation. The project, designed to provide shelter for IDPs affected by flooding and other disasters, was initially abandoned but later reassigned to a new contractor.

Responding on behalf of the government, Mr Jackson expressed deep appreciation to the committee for selecting Abia as one of the beneficiaries and ensuring the project’s timely completion.

The SEMA boss assured the committee that the facility would be put to proper use to serve its intended purpose. He commended Governor Alex Otti for providing an enabling environment that facilitated the smooth execution of the project.

The project consultant, Basil Okoli, and resident supervisor, Mr Donatus Kamalu, said that all specifications were met.

They restated the importance of utilising the facility immediately to avoid vandalism.

Also, the contractor’s representative, Ezekiel Francis, thanked the committee for the opportunity and lauded the state government for its support throughout the contract period.

(NAN)