Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has ordered the demolition of the ageing Umunnato General Hospital in Alayi, clearing the way for the construction of a new specialist and diagnostic centre on the site.
Otti made the announcement during the flag-off ceremony of the project, which formed part of activities marking the third anniversary of his administration. He also set up a four-man supervisory committee to oversee the execution of the project.
According to the governor, the decision to pull down the old hospital, which was established in 1962 and had long suffered neglect, was based on the need for efficiency and modern standards in healthcare delivery.
“We found that it was cheaper to demolish and build a new one than to try and fix something that would not meet the required standard,” Otti said.
He assured that the project would be completed within record time and commissioned as promised.
“Anywhere we flag off a project, it means it will be completed and commissioned in record time,” he added, expressing confidence that the facility would be ready by the time of his fourth anniversary celebrations and second-term inauguration activities.
The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to upgrading healthcare infrastructure across Abia State, noting that the new facility would meet world-class standards.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Health, Enoch Uche, said the project aligns with the governor’s promise to establish a tertiary healthcare facility in each senatorial district of the state. He noted that the hospital had been abandoned for decades despite its importance to the community.
A four-man team was also constituted to supervise the project, including the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma; Hon. Nnamdi Ibekwe; Dr. Chima Anyaso; and the Deputy Mayor of Bende LGA, Ifeoma Agu.
