By IHECHINYERE CHIGEMERI-UWOM

The Abia Government has declared unscrupulous removal of manhole covers in different parts of the state as a criminal offence.

The Commissioner for Information, Mr Okey Kanu, disclosed this, on Monday, while briefing newsmen at the Government House, Umuahia, on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting.

Kanu said the unwholesome practice endangers people’s lives and warned that anyone caught vandalising the facilities would be prosecuted.

He said the Ministry of Works had so far installed reinforced concrete slabs over 120 open manholes and drains across Aba and Umuahia.

He expressed concern that some unscrupulous persons have continued to remove the covers, in spite of government’s efforts to secure them.

The commissioner also cautioned against the unauthorised construction of speed bumps on public roads, saying the structures, when improperly constructed, contribute to the rapid deterioration of roads.

He advised communities to obtain approval from the Ministry of Works before constructing such bumps to ensure compliance with approved standards.

Kanu announced that Abia would host the 27th Africando Conference from November 17 to November 19 to provide opportunities for local businesses to connect with international investors.

He said the conference, being organised by the Foundation for Democracy in Africa (FDA), in collaboration with the Abia Global Chamber of Commerce, would attract investors from the United States and other countries.

He said the state’s Ministries, Departments, Agencies and Local Governments would also showcase investment opportunities available in the state at the event.

Kanu said the conference was expected to stimulate economic activities and create business opportunities for hotels, restaurants, transport operators and other service providers.

He also announced that the third Abia International Trade Fair would hold from November 27 to December 6 at the Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba.

He said the fair, organised by the state Ministry of Trade and Commerce, in collaboration with the Aba Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture, would focus on manufacturing, agriculture, fashion, leather works and renewable energy.

The commissioner said the theme of the fair would be “Abia Beyond Borders: Driving Innovation, Trade and Industrial Growth”.

In another development, he said the State Civil Service Commission would organise a capacity-building programme for permanent secretaries, directors and deputy directors from November 16 to November 28.

He said that the training would cover change management, work ethics and professionalism, succession planning and talent management, as well as leadership and strategic management.

According to him, the programme is part of government’s ongoing reforms aimed at improving efficiency and service delivery in the state civil service. (NAN)