Abia Gov Otti Unveils N1.3bn Water Projects

The ceremony took place at Ubakala in Umuahia South Local Government Area, where the governor expressed appreciation to Mercy Corps for supporting the projects. He stated that the commencement of work on the Ubakala scheme also signified the official takeoff of the Ariaria Water Scheme in Aba, adding that both projects would be commissioned simultaneously upon completion.

Otti described access to clean water as essential to human survival, stressing that many lives have been lost due to unsafe drinking water. He explained that his administration considers potable water supply a major priority and is committed to ensuring residents across the state have access to safe water.

The governor also revealed that the Aba regional water project had reached 95 per cent completion.

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Ikechukwu Monday, said the initiative aligns with the objectives of the Abia Integrated WASH Accelerated Programme earlier launched by the governor. He disclosed that previous attempts to commence the projects were disrupted, including an incident where financiers linked to the project were kidnapped while travelling through Anambra State.

According to him, the projects were initially funded through support from USAID and Mercy Corps before a private financier later agreed to back the initiative following intervention from the state government and development partners.

A representative of the Mercy Corps Country Director, Rabiu Sani, said the organisation’s interventions span across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones with a focus on improving livelihoods and ensuring sustainability. He explained that the rehabilitation works would involve the restoration of existing boreholes, testing and repair of pumps, among other upgrades.

The rehabilitation projects are part of the Abia State Government’s wider efforts to improve public utilities and expand access to potable water, alongside ongoing investments in roads, electricity and other infrastructure since Otti assumed office in 2023.