The Abia State Government has raised concern over the increasing vandalism of government projects, particularly electricity infrastructure, across the state.

The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Tuesday while briefing journalists on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting held on Monday.

Kanu said the destruction and theft of public power assets were affecting electricity supply while placing additional financial pressure on the government due to the cost of replacing vandalised or stolen equipment.

He called on traditional rulers, presidents-general of town unions and security agencies to develop stronger measures to tackle the problem at the community level.

The commissioner also urged residents and other stakeholders to take ownership of government projects in their communities, particularly electricity-related infrastructure.

On the recent flooding affecting parts of the state, Kanu said the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency and the Ministry of Environment had carried out drainage-clearing exercises across the state, including before the rainy season.

He said the government was continuing efforts to reduce the impact of flooding and improve the flow of stormwater through communities.

Kanu also disclosed that projects under the Abia Integrated Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Programme were progressing, with the rehabilitation of five water schemes at different stages of completion.

According to him, the projects include pipeline recirculation works being undertaken across the state’s three sanitary zones.

Also speaking on flooding, the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Engr. Ikechukwu Monday, attributed part of the increasing flooding experienced across the country to climate change.

Monday said government agencies were implementing measures within their respective areas of responsibility to address flooding and other related challenges.

He said the Umuahia Capital Development Authority and Ministry of Works were undertaking interventions in Umuahia, while the Greater Aba Development Authority had developed plans to address flooding and related infrastructure challenges in Aba.

The commissioner said the government was taking a coordinated approach, with relevant agencies expected to respond promptly whenever new challenges emerged in different parts of the state.

Meanwhile, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, said the State Emergency Management Agency was responsible for providing relief materials to victims of disasters.

He said the government would also assess the measures being taken by SEMA to ensure that people affected by flooding and other disasters receive the necessary assistance.