ABA (ABIA) – Dr Alex Otti, the All Progressive Grand Alliance governorship candidate in Abia said that he had negotiated a grant of 100 million dollars (N19.5 billion) to build an Industrial Park in Aba.
Otti made this known in Aba while presenting his manifesto at a forum organised by the Aba Chamber of Commerce Industry, Mines and Agriculture for Governorship, National and State Assembly candidates.
He said the grant was negotiated with the International Finance Corporation, adding that the money would be accessed as soon as he emerged the winner of the governorship election.
According to him, the grant was ‘’hedged’’ in a way that it would not suffer depreciation due to fluctuations in the exchange rate.
Otti also said that the commercial town would soon begin to enjoy uninterrupted power supply with the completion of the Geometric Power Plant at Ossisioma, near Aba, which is awaiting inauguration by President Goodluck Jonathan.
The APGA candidate recalled that the construction of the plant suffered a setback in 2009 due to the lack of funds, until his intervention as the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Diamond Bank.
He expressed delight that the project had been completed and that efforts were being made to sort out outstanding issues delaying its inauguration.
He promised to tackle the infrastructure deficit in Aba, especially the deplorable road condition, blocked drainage and environmental challenges.
He said that a special ministry would be carved out to re-design and rebuild Aba.
Otti said that he had the international connection and integrity to access grants and investment from multinational organisations for the overall development of the state.
‘’There are multinational organisations with grants and aids tied to developmental needs, such as water, electricity, rural development and agriculture.
‘’But such monies will only go to people who have a track record of credibility and transparency,’’ he said.
Earlier in his speech, the President of the chamber, Chief Anthony Enukeme, said that the forum was organised to afford the candidates the opportunity to showcase their manifesto to the people.
