BY Anayo Okoli

Umuahia – GOVERNOR Theodore Orji of Abia State has approved N20,100 as the new minimum wage for civil servants in the state.

According to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ugochukwu Emezue, the governor’s approval followed the signing Tuesday of an agreement between government and organized labour in Umuahia, the state capital.

Payment of the new salary would commence next month, while payment of the arrears, which dates back to April 1, 2011, would be paid from January 2012, and spread over 12 months.

Meanwhile, Governor Orji has approved N2.5 billion to mobilize contractors handling various roads projects in the state, especially Aba.

Emezue said Governor Orji was interested in ensuring that the roads were completed on time.

He pointed out that roads were very essential in the development of the state as they would ease the transportation problems of the masses.

He said the governor expressed joy that the contractors were now working hard to ensure that they delivered on time. He, however, warned that any contractor who defaulted would be sanctioned.

The governor was also said to have directed the commissioner for works to supervise the progress of work on daily basis and report back to his office to enable him follow the progress of work.