Governor Otti Orders Demolition Of Aging Hospital, Promises World-class Facility

Abia State government has marked Umunnato General Hospital, Alayi, for demolition and to embark on the construction of a specialist and diagnostic centre at the site.

The governor, Alex Otti, stated this at the flag-off of the project during the third anniversary of his administration, announcing the constitution a four-man supervisory team for the project.

“We found that it was cheaper to demolish and build a new one than to try and fix something that you probably wouldn’t even get exactly what you require.

“Anywhere we flag-off a project, it means it will be commissioned and it will be commissioned in record time” the governor said about the facility built in 1962.

He expressed optimism that the project would be ready for commissioning during activities marking the fourth anniversary and inauguration of his second term in office.

“So, in the next one year as we will be celebrating our fourth anniversary and preparing for the next inauguration, we shall be commissioning this project,” Otti added.

Earlier, the commissioner for Health, Enoch Uche said the event was in fulfilment of Otti’s promise to establish a tertiary healthcare facility in each of the senatorial districts of the state.

This hospital was initially established in 1962. At that time, it was serving the whole of Abia North. Unfortunately, for 40 years, it has been abandoned,” Uche stated.

The team comprises special adviser to the governor on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma; Hon Nnamdi Ibekwe, Dr Chima Anyaso, and Bende local government area deputy mayor, Ifeoma Agu.