The Abia State Government has announced plans to renovate and retrofit 200 primary health centres across the state by the end of 2024. The initiative, led by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Abia State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, is set to start in early September and aims to complete by December. The renovation will benefit all 184 wards in the state, with Commissioner for Information Okey Kanu describing it as a substantial improvement to the state’s healthcare infrastructure.
In addition to the health centre renovations, the state government is focusing on reclaiming public lands that have been illegally acquired. The recovery committee has begun with Government College Umuahia, where it has retrieved compromised land. Kanu emphasized that the government remains committed to recovering all such lands, despite potential pushback from those involved in the illegal acquisitions.
Regarding recent health concerns, the state has reported 13 suspected cases of Monkeypox in Isiala Ngwa, with one confirmed positive case and three still unconfirmed. Efforts are also underway to address malaria through a campaign involving 292 health centres in collaboration with Pan Africare.
In the education sector, the state is reviewing private schools that were closed, and training for primary and secondary school teachers by Educational Consultants, ERIT, is nearing completion. Additionally, road infrastructure development continues with 108 roads maintained and rehabilitated. Design work is ongoing for several key roads, including Ntigha-Mbawsi-Umuala and Onuimo-Tower of Peace.
The government has clarified that it is not demolishing existing buildings on Government College Umuahia’s land but is focusing on removing only structures at the foundation level. Efforts are also being made to address cholera cases, with isolation centres being strengthened.
Lastly, the state government has completed the identification of houses for demolition along the Umuikaa-Owerrinta road expansion and will soon begin compensating affected property owners.
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