Abia introduces “dig and repair” policy for laying of telecom cables
From Boniface Okoro, Umuahia
Firms laying telecommunication cables in Abia State now has the responsibility of repairing any infrastructure damaged in the vourse of laying their cables.
This requirement is embedded in the “right of way for laying of telecommunications cables” around the state regulation billed to come into force soon.
“The final document for the right of way regulation for laying of telecom cables around the state has been produced and this will come into effect very soon,” Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, told newsmen in Umuahia on Monday, January 13, 2025 during a post-State Executive Council media briefing.
“That is made to regulate how telecommunications cables are laid across the state,” Kanu explained.
Contributing, the Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation, Mr. David Kalu, said that the regulation would provide rules of laying cables, adding that among others things, firms laying the cables would be required to repair any damage done to any infrastruct while laying telecom cables.
According to him, a firm would fix any part of the road it dug to lay a cable, unlike when they would lay their cable and move on, leaving the road damaged.
Kalu also said that Abia State government was domesticating the Start-Up Act aimed at helping science and technology start ups.
According to the Commissioner, the programme would involve training and processes that would enhance businesses of start-ups, especially in areas of online content and branding, among others.
He announced that the state eould organise its maiden Science and Technology Week from March 24 to 29, 2025.
Plans to host the ScienceTech Week, he said, were underway, adding that science and technology companies, as well as high-profile technology experts would participate in the exhibition.
He equally said that a special programme tagged “STEM” (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) targeted at senior secondary school students which aims at investing in the future of science students was ongoing in the state.
The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Uzor Nwachukwu, his Transport counterpart, Dr. Chimezie Ukaegbu, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media & Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma and the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, were present at the briefing.
