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Rotational power cuts across Cyprus, CTSO tells CNA

Rotational, controlled power cuts began at 6.52 pm on Wednesday, implemented by the Cyprus Transmission System Operator (CTSO) across the whole of Cyprus, due to an inability to meet demand as a result of faults at EAC power stations.

Specifically, in statements to CNA, CTSO Director Stavros Stavrinos said that ‘from 6.52 pm, rotational load shedding began due to an inability to meet demand.’

He added that load shedding would continue until 9.00-9.30 pm and noted that it was being carried out in groups across the whole of Cyprus, with each group expected to experience a power cut lasting approximately 18-20 minutes.

CTSO had announced earlier on Wednesday that, due to simultaneous faults at EAC power generation units at the Dekeleia and Vasiliko Power Stations, and taking into account the total available generation capacity, meeting peak demand during the evening hours (18:00 – 22:00) is considered to be extremely tight, with a likely shortfall in meeting demand.

It was also said that the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC) had made intensive efforts to bring an additional unit at Dekeleia online, but this ultimately proved impossible.

Furthermore, CTSO appealed to the public to use electrical appliances sensibly in order to save electricity during the evening peak hours of 18:00-22:00.

Kenyans unable to afford a healthy diet rise by 9m

The number of Kenyans unable to afford a healthy diet has increased by 9.6 million over the past eight years on costly meals and reduced disposable income.

Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), a United Nations agency, says 43.9 million Kenyans cannot afford a healthy diet, up from 34.3 million in 2017.

This emerges in a period when the cost of food has surged in an economic setting where workers’ disposable income has also fallen, as employers’ pay increases fail to keep pace with inflation.

Workers’ purchasing power has declined by up to 12 percent over the past five years, on the back of rising taxes, multiple statutory deductions, and the high cost of living, according to Kenya Bankers Association (KBA) estimates.

The statutory deductions cited by KBA include PAYE, the 1.5 percent Affordable Housing Levy, a 2.75 percent contribution to the Social Health Insurance Fund and higher National Social Security Fund contributions, which now top Sh6,480 per month for higher earners.

Workers have seen their real wages drop to Sh56,566 last year from Sh62,256 in 2020.

The share of Kenyans struggling to access a healthy diet has increased to 76.3 percent of the population from 69.8 percent in 2017.

In East Africa, Kenya fared worse compared to the neighbouring countries. Rwanda’s share stood at 67.7 percent, Ethiopia (67.9 percent), Tanzania (73.0 percent) and Uganda (73.6 percent).

‘Eating a healthy diet throughout the life cycle is critical for health, growth and development, helping to prevent all forms of malnutrition and reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases, and above all, contributing to overall well-being,’ says FAO in the report.

FAO says the less developing countries will require policies that focus not only on increasing food production but also on making nutritious foods more affordable.

Investments in climate-smart agriculture, efficient food distribution systems, lower post-harvest losses and targeted support for vulnerable households will be critical if Kenya is to reverse the trend.

Tackling the menace of illegal mining in Nigeria

Though Nigeria is abundantly blessed with over 44 solid minerals, spread across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, with these enormous resources expected to drive sustained construction, power generation, and manufacturing, the menace of

Illegal mining in the country costs an estimated, whopping $9 billion annually in lost revenue.

Furthermore, illegal mining severely degrades the green environment, and directly fuels the recurring insecurity. This crisis is characterized by three main threats such as Insecurity and banditry: Illicit extraction-particularly of gold, lithium, and tin. These are intertwined with armed conflict, banditry, and militia groups that use the proceeds to fund their operations.

So serious the matter is that the Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke recently raised the alarm over an unregulated influx of individuals from northern states into Osun’s mining communities. He warned that these movements risk importing banditry and terrorism financing.

That informed the establishment of a Mining Community Intelligence Architecture with the noble aim to combat banditry and criminal infiltration linked to illegal mining in the state. The new security framework mandates the creation of seven-member community committees across the Ife-Ijesa axis to profile newcomers and improve intelligence gathering.

In other parts of the country, the most affected areas with the key mineral deposits that span from industrial materials including limestone and kaolin to precious metals like gold and lithium are Zamfara, Kaduna, Kogi, Kwara, down to Ondo, Osun and Oyo.

For instance, some of the major, commercially viable solid minerals and their primary states of occurrence, include gold and lithium found in states such as Zamfara, Kaduna, Kwara, and Nasarawa. Also, industrial minerals like limestone/kaolin/talc are located across Kogi, Ogun, Sokoto, and Niger states. As for energy and metal ores such as coal/iron ore/tin they are found mostly in Enugu, Kogi, and Plateau states.

Other important deposits including lead/zinc are found in large quantities in Ebonyi/Taraba while bitumen is in Ondo and Lagos states. This piece of vital information is. based on data from Facebook USAfrika.

The resultant effects of illegal mining include environmental disasters: unregulated excavation and the use of toxic chemicals that severely degrade farmlands and contaminate important water sources, such as the Osun River.

‘Illegal mining has evolved into a major national security threat, linked to criminal and terrorist financing… Combating it has become an urgent priority to stop economic sabotage.’- NSCDC/Mining Marshals Squad

With regards to economic sabotage there are foreign cartels and illicit syndicates who exploit artisanal miners, smuggling strategic minerals out of the country with little to no taxation or royalties returning to local communities. And it has been revealed that some of the traditional rulers are accomplices in this unpatriotic act. But what are the significant factors facilitating illegal mining of minerals in Nigeria? That is the million-naira question.

According to experts on solid mineral mining and the after effects on the host communities in particular and the country in general, illegal mining thrives here due to extreme poverty, weak regulatory enforcement, and powerful cartels that smuggle billions in minerals annually. There are also corrupt elites and foreign actors who fund illicit operations, while locals participate for mainly for survival, as we are currently experiencing in the country. But what is of importance are the needed steps to be taken to frontally tackle the criminal act and save the country from its deleterious, socio-economic effects?

Solutions to illegal mining in Nigeria require a holistic and multi-dimensional approach that combines technology, law enforcement, policy formalization, and community integration. In this regard, according to the

Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, the federal government is deploying.

an uncompromising crackdown on illegal mining and its financial sponsors. He emphasised it as a national security threat that fuels banditry.

The government is therefore, utilising tech-infused surveillance and the Nigeria Mining Marshals to dismantle illicit camps nationwide. But more has to be done than said for the enforcement of this laudable initiative.

In the light of this is zero tolerance for sponsors of illegal mining in the country. That perhaps, explains why the Ministry is actively tracking wealthy backers and financiers of illegal operations. That is, rather than focusing mainly on low-level artisanal workers. So far, operations have resulted in the arrest of over 300 illegal miners and the prosecution of more than 150 suspects, including foreign nationals. This is highly commendable.

Another bold step taken forward to secure vast mining corridors is the Federal Executive Council (FEC)’s approval of N2.5 billion for satellite surveillance equipment to monitor mining sites in real-time.

Hitting the nail on the head, Alake has urged the traditional rulers and local communities to stop the selling of land to unauthorised miners and to report illicit activities to security agencies.

Good enough, it is on record that the Ministry of Solid Minerals has revoked thousands of dormant mining titles and continues to formalise artisanal miners into regulated cooperatives to plug revenue leakages. There are ongoing efforts to track ongoing enforcement updates and read official statements directly on the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development portal.

On the whole, much as one commends efforts to curb this menace, the federal and state governments should keep enforcing the crackdowns and regulatory reforms through the Mining Marshals. Also, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) who are deployed as a specialised squad of ‘Mining Marshals.’ should be well trained and equipped to curb the activities of the criminals.

Doing so will eventually save Nigeria from the loss of huge revenue, protect the environment from degradation and provide livelihood for several job-seeking Nigerians.

ENHANCED STRATEGIC PARTNERS: Vietnam-Philippines at 50, and looking ahead

ON July 12, 2026, Vietnam and the Philippines celebrated the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations.

It was more than a commemorative milestone. It was an opportunity to reflect on how the two neighbors, connected by geography and history, have built a relationship grounded in trust, mutual respect and shared aspirations, and to look ahead with confidence to the next 50 years.

Half a century ago, our two countries established diplomatic relations at a time when the region was still healing from conflicts and searching for a path toward peace and development. Few could have imagined how profoundly our region would be transformed.

Today, Southeast Asia has become one of the world’s most dynamic regions, and Vietnam and the Philippines have emerged as important contributors to its peace, stability and prosperity.

Our bilateral relationship has evolved in tandem. A defining milestone came in 2015, when our former president Truong Tan Sang and then-Philippine president Benigno Aquino III announced the establishment of the ‘Vietnam-Philippines Strategic Partnership’ on the margins of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders’ Meeting.

Vietnam became the Philippines’ first-and to this day-only Strategic Partner within Asean, reflecting the high level of confidence and mutual trust between our two countries. That decision opened a new chapter of cooperation, expanding collaboration from political dialogue into trade, investment, defense, maritime affairs, education, culture and people-to-people exchanges.

Stronger, sustainable

TODAY, our relationship is stronger than ever.

The recent state visit by General Secretary and President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam To Lam marked another historic milestone as our leaders agreed to elevate bilateral relations to an Enhanced Strategic Partnership.

Coming as we celebrate 50 years of friendship, this decision is not simply symbolic. It reflects the breadth and maturity of our cooperation and our shared determination to build an even more ambitious partnership for the decades ahead.

Economic cooperation has become one of the brightest pillars of our relationship. Bilateral trade has nearly tripled over the past decade, reaching almost $8 billion in 2025, making the Philippines one of Vietnam’s largest trading partners in the region. Yet, this figure represents only a fraction of our potential.

As both economies continue to grow rapidly, new opportunities are emerging in manufacturing, renewable energy, digital technology, logistics, infrastructure and high-value agriculture.

Investment is also gathering remarkable momentum. Vietnamese companies invested nearly $100 million in the Philippines in 2025 alone, with even stronger growth expected this year.

I was particularly encouraged to witness the signing of a partnership between VinEnergo of Viet Nam and SunAsia Energy of the Philippines, under which more than $400 million will be invested in renewable energy projects in Pampanga and Negros Occidental.

Such projects demonstrate how our businesses are becoming partners in building a greener and more sustainable future.

Flourishing exchanges

PEOPLE-TO-PEOPLE connections are flourishing as well. Nearly half a million Filipino visitors traveled to Vietnam in 2025, making the Philippines one of our fastest-growing tourism markets.

More direct flights, expanding educational exchanges and closer business networks are bringing our peoples closer together. These personal connections create the strongest foundation for lasting friendship between our nations.

Perhaps nowhere is our partnership more visible than in food security. Vietnam has long been a reliable supplier of rice to the Philippines, accounting for around 80 to 85 percent of Philippine rice imports in recent years.

During periods of global uncertainty, including the Covid-19 pandemic, Vietnam consistently honored its commitments and worked closely with the Philippine government to help ensure stable rice supplies for Filipino consumers. This cooperation is more than commercial-it reflects mutual trust and our shared commitment to regional food resilience.

Our cooperation is also strong in defense, maritime security and law enforcement. As two maritime nations located at the heart of Southeast Asia, we share a strong interest in maintaining peace, stability, freedom of navigation and adherence to international law.

Through regular defense exchanges, coast guard cooperation and mechanisms such as the Joint Permanent Working Group on Maritime and Ocean Concerns, we continue to strengthen practical cooperation while contributing to regional peace and confidence-building.

Looking ahead

AS we look ahead, our Enhanced Strategic Partnership provides an excellent roadmap for even deeper cooperation.

First, we should accelerate trade and investment by facilitating market access, improving connectivity and encouraging greater participation of businesses from both countries.

Reaching $10 billion in bilateral trade should be regarded not as the destination, but as the next milestone.

Second, we should make digital transformation and the green economy new engines of growth. The recently signed memorandum of understanding on science, technology and digital transformation offers a timely framework for cooperation in artificial intelligence, digital governance, smart cities, cybersecurity, renewable energy and innovation-areas that will define our future competitiveness.

Third, our successful cooperation in food security should evolve into broader collaboration on sustainable agriculture, climate-resilient farming, aquaculture, agricultural technology and food innovation.

Together, we can help strengthen regional food security while improving the livelihoods of our farmers and fishing communities.

Fourth, we should invest even more in our greatest asset: our people. Implementing the ‘2026-2029 Tourism Cooperation Program’ and the ‘2024-2029 Cultural Cooperation Program,’ opening additional direct air links, expanding student exchanges, strengthening university partnerships and promoting cultural and healthcare cooperation will enable more Vietnamese and Filipinos to understand, appreciate and learn from one another.

Last, but not least, we should continue deepening cooperation in defense, maritime affairs, disaster risk reduction, marine environmental protection and the fight against transnational crime. Equally important is our close coordination within Asean. A strong bilateral relationship contributes to a stronger region-one that remains united, resilient, people-centered and capable of addressing the challenges of an increasingly complex world.

Asean future

ULTIMATELY, the story of Vietnam-Philippines relations is not merely one of diplomacy or official agreements. It is the story of farmers helping feed millions of families, entrepreneurs creating jobs and opportunities, students discovering new horizons, tourists exploring each other’s beautiful countries, and young people imagining a common Asean future.

The decision to elevate our relationship to an Enhanced Strategic Partnership is therefore not the culmination of our journey. It is the beginning of an even more ambitious one.

As ambassador of Vietnam to the Philippines, I have had the privilege of witnessing the warmth, openness and goodwill that Filipinos consistently extend to the Vietnamese people. I am confident that, with our shared values, complementary strengths and common vision for a peaceful and prosperous region, the next 50 years of our partnership will be even more remarkable than the first.

The best chapter of Vietnam-Philippines relations has yet to be written, and we will write it together. PNA

UN: Global hunger declines, but progress remains fragile

Global hunger declined for the third consecutive year in 2025, demonstrating that progress is possible. However, the gains remain fragile and are far too slow to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, AzerNEWS reports.

It was presented in the latest edition of the “State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World” (SOFI) report, published by five United Nations agencies.

Estimates show that 7.8 percent of the world’s population, or approximately 645 million people, experienced hunger in 2025. This is around 43 million fewer people than in the previous four years. While Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean have recorded steady improvements in recent years, Africa is currently home to the largest number of people facing hunger. In 2025, approximately 309 million people on the continent were undernourished, compared with 292 million in Asia. Although the prevalence of hunger in Africa declined from 20.3 percent in 2024 to 20.0 percent the following year, rapid population growth means that the continent now has the largest absolute number of people suffering from hunger.

Broader measures of food access tell a similar story. In 2025, an estimated 25.8 percent of the global population (around 2.1 billion people) experienced moderate or severe food insecurity, meaning they were at times forced to compromise on the quality or quantity of the food they ate. This is down from 27.1 percent in 2024 and 28.7 percent in 2020 – equivalent to nearly 86 million fewer people than in 2024 and 135 million fewer than in 2020, though still above pre-pandemic levels.

According to the report, although there was some progress in reducing global hunger in 2025 compared with 2020 and 2024, the level remains higher than before the pandemic.

In Africa, more than half of the population – 56.6 percent – experienced moderate or severe food insecurity in 2025. The figure was 20.3 percent in Asia, 22.9 percent in Latin America and the Caribbean, and 8.7 percent in North America and Europe.

The UN also highlighted the impact of conflict, climate change and rising costs on global hunger. The annual SOFI report is published by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the World Food Programme (WFP) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

The agencies warn that conflicts in the Middle East, increasingly extreme weather conditions, and declining official development assistance and humanitarian funding could undermine recent progress toward ending global hunger.

President Ilham Aliyev approves amendments to law “On general education”

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has approved amendments to the law “On general education”.

The text of the document was published on the official website of the President of Azerbaijan.

According to the amendment, the creation and development of a secular general education system based on nationalism and secularism – protection of national and universal values and ensuring their dialectical unity – was considered the main principle of state policy in the field of general education.

Approving the descriptions of uniforms for those studying in state general educational institutions and the requirements related to clothing for educators is included in the list of duties of the state in the field of general education.

According to the amendment, students and educators in state general education institutions must comply with the requirements regarding clothing. Requirements regarding clothing for educators in state general education institutions will be determined by the body (institution) designated by the relevant executive authority.

The duties of parents or other legal representatives in the field of general education include ensuring compliance with the requirements regarding clothing by state general education institutions (or persons whose children are under their guardianship and care).

UNITED STATES-MIGRATION-Immigration advocates sound alarm over new public charge rule

Immigration advocates in New York have issued stark warnings about United States President Donald J. Trump’s new public charge rule, saying the policy will create fear and uncertainty for immigrant families while discouraging eligible individuals from accessing essential health care and social service programmes.

The new policy is expected to go into effect on September 18.

The New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC), an umbrella organization of over 200 immigrant and refugee groups in New York, alongside the New York City Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA), and other immigrant advocates, have expressed concern about how immigration officials would evaluate how certain immigrants are likely to become a ‘public charge’ when seeking lawful permanent residency or admission to the United States.

The rule rescinds the Biden administration’s Public Charge Rule, which has been in effect since December 23, 2022, and limited public charge determinations to an applicant’s use of cash assistance or long-term government-funded institutional care.

But, under Trump’s new rule, NYIC said immigration officials will consider a broad range of factors when determining whether immigrants are eligible to become citizens, adjust status, or be admitted to the US, based on the likelihood of becoming a public charge.

‘This new policy is a dangerous step backward that will harm immigrant New Yorkers-already living with instability, insecurity, and fear-by penalising them for accessing health and social service programs designed to keep communities healthy,’ NYIC president Murad Awawdeh told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC).

‘The public charge rule is not about protecting taxpayers – it’s about deterring immigrants from accessing critical services and creating a climate of fear. The impact will extend far beyond those directly subject to the rule, leaving families to second-guess whether they can safely seek medical care or put food on the table.’

Awawdeh said New Yorkers deserve facts, not fear, and the coalition will continue working to ensure every community has access to trusted legal guidance He said all residents, regardless of immigration status, deserve to access city services without fear.’

Awawdeh further warned that Trump’s decision to expand the scope of public charge will have ‘far-reaching consequences for both immigrant families across the five boroughs and our city’s economy.

‘When people are afraid to seek medical care, reporting crimes, or access other essential services, entire communities become less safe. We know that fear creates barriers to care, weakens trust in public institutions, and impacts public safety for all New Yorkers.’

Before deciding not to access services because of concerns about public charge, Awawdeh urged Caribbean and other immigrants to contact MOIA’s free and confidential Legal Support Hotline to get accurate, up-to-date information about their rights and options from trusted legal help.

‘As a city, we will continue to stand with our immigrant communities and fight for a future where all New Yorkers can lead lives of safety, opportunity, and dignity,’ said MOIA Commissioner Faiza N. Ali.

The executive director of Cabrini Immigrant Services of NYC, Javier Ramirez-Baron, said the Trump administration’s decision to rescind the public charge rule ‘inflicts yet another layer of harm on families navigating an immigration system that is already deeply broken.

‘Navigating the immigration system and public benefits programs is challenging enough, but now many will be forced to choose between the two. Others will forgo accessing essential benefits out of fear that it may impact their chances of gaining legal status.

‘At Cabrini Immigrant Services, we remain committed to ensuring that all we serve have the tools and information they need to navigate these changes and access the benefits they have a right to without fear,’ Ramirez-Baron added.

Trump’s new rule, published in the Federal Register on Monday, will significantly expand the scope of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) review, including consideration of an applicant’s, or the applicant’s family members’ continued use of a wide range of health or social service programmes that the administration disfavors when reviewing applications.

US Citizenship and Immigration Services. (USCIS), a DHS agency, said last week that DHS has issued ‘a final rule rescinding the 2022 Biden-era regulation regarding public charge determinations, further aligning immigration law with Congressional intent that aliens in the United States be self-reliant and not dependent on taxpayer-funded government benefits.’

USCIS said that, under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), an individual applying for a visa, admission, or adjustment of status is inadmissible to the United States ‘if deemed likely at any time to become a public charge.

‘The now-rescinded Biden-era regulation restricted which public benefits DHS could consider, limiting officers’ ability to review all relevant factors as intended by Congress,’ USCIS said.

Rebecca Telzak, co-executive director of Make the Road New York, another immigrant advocacy group, said, ‘the Trump administration is doing everything in its power to make simply existing as a working-class immigrant in this country as difficult as possible.

‘This rule comes the same week as ICE (US Immigration and Customs Enforcement) gunned down two fathers in their cars. The intent is clear: to use the weight of the federal government to terrorize immigrant communities and force families to renounce survival services and programmes, fearing their families could be ripped apart.’

President Ilham Aliyev awards Rauf Abbasov – decree

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has signed a decree on awarding Rauf Abbasov with the 2nd Class Order “For Service to the Motherland”.

The text of the document was published on the official website of the President of Azerbaijan.

According to the decree, Abbasov has been awarded the 2nd Class Order “For Service to the Motherland” in recognition of his long-standing and productive contributions to Azerbaijan’s media sector.

CRICKET-U19-RESULTS Rising Stars Men’s 50-over Championship – Playoffs

Results of the playoffs in the CWI Rising Stars Under-19 Men’s 50-over Championship here on Wednesday.

FINAL

At Liberta Sports Club: Barbados defeated Jamaica by 116 runs.

BARBADOS 320-9 in 50 overs (Justin Parris 100, Kelani Clarke 49, Kemar Dixon 48, R’Jai Gittens 37, Jordan Graham 21, Rajeev Parsooram 14 not out; Alixandre Elliot 4-40, Jahdae Moore 3-58).

JAMAICA 204 in 43.5 overs (Demario Hall 47, Pajay Nelson 36, Tyson Gordon Jr 28, Perico Henry 22 not out, Demarco Scott 13, Alixandre Elliott 12; Justin Parris 5-35, Asher Branford 3-19).

THIRD PLACE PLAYOFF

At Bethesda Sports Ground: Trinidad and Tobago defeated Leeward Islands by seven wickets.

LEEWARD ISLANDS 88 in 26.5 overs (Tanez Francis 22, Eirette Richards 19, Lyhte Richards 13; Renaldo Fournillier 4-26, Daron Dhanraj 2-14).

T and T 89-3 in 15.1 overs (Brendan Boodoo 49 not out, Ethan Ramharan 10; Matthew Miller 2-25).

FIFTH PLACE PLAYOFF

At Pigotts Sports Ground: Guyana defeated Windward Islands by 53 runs.

GUYANA 184 in 49.2 overs (Dhanesh Persaud 53, Emmanuel Lewis 43, Romario Ramdehol 15, Khush Seegobin 13, Adrian Hetmyer 11; Theo Edward 3-12).

WINDWARD ISLANDS 131 in 27.1 overs (Earshino Fontaine 28, Khavaughn Bartholomew 27, Derwin Lewis 26, Tyler Venner 24, Johnathan Daniel 12; Gilbert Griffith 4-19, Romario Ramdehol 2-13, Adrian Hetmyer 2-38).

Building collapse: Soil, geotechnical tests mandatory for building construction, approvals in Abia

Abia State Government has introduced mandatory soil and geotechnical testing as prerequisites for obtaining building permits in the state capital.

The move is aimed at improving structural safety, preventing building collapse and protection of lives and property of Abia residents.

Okey Kanu, Commissioner for Information, announced the policy, Monday, while briefing journalists on the outcome of this week’s Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.

Kanu said that the new requirement forms part of the government’s efforts to ensure that buildings are designed and constructed in line with the characteristics of the soil on which they are sited.

‘Mandatory soil and geotechnical testing are now prerequisites before building permits are granted in the state capital.

‘Going forward, if you must obtain a building permit, you must have a soil test and geotechnical test certificate.

‘This is to ensure that going forward, buildings are designed and built in line with soil capabilities and constructed on verified and strong foundations to improve structural safety, prevent building collapse, and protect lives and property’, he said.

Kanu also outlined a series of interventions being undertaken by the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA) to improve urban infrastructure and mitigate flooding across the state capital.

The commissioner noted that the UCDA had intensified the desilting of drainage channels on flood-prone roads in Umuahia to improve the free flow of stormwater during the rainy season.

He listed the areas currently benefiting from the disilting exercise to include; Adelabu Street drainage, Shoprite to Uwalaka Street, Asaba Street Junction, Ndume Otuka Road, Winners Church Ndume Road, Church of Christ and Finbarrs Road.

On erosion control, Kanu revealed that the State Exco had approved immediate intervention in Emede Ibeku Community in Umuahia North Local Government Area, where residents have battled severe erosion.

The commissioner stated that UCDA had received approval to commence erosion control works in the affected community.

He also announced progress in the State’s housing development programme, stating that the tendering process for the proposed Pocket Estate Layout had been completed.

The commissioner further said that the construction activities are progressing at the Green City Site and Services Estate in Obehie in Ukwa East Local Government Area.

‘The perimeter fencing has been completed and the roads in the estate have been constructed. The blocks as well have been facilitated’, he said.