Abia State Governor Alex Otti has flagged off the rehabilitation of two major water schemes valued at N1.3 billion in the state.
Otti performed the ceremony on Sunday at Ubakala in Umuahia South Local Government Area as part of activities marking his three-year anniversary in office. The projects cover the Ubakala Water Scheme and the Ariaria Water Scheme in Aba.
“I want to thank them for this support and their resilience. N1.3 Billion is a lot of money and we cannot take it for granted,” Otti said, thanking Mercy Corps for their partnership. “As we flag it off, we will assume that we have flagged-off the two projects. So, when we return here again, it will be for commissioning the water scheme.”
He emphasised the importance of potable water to public health. “Water is so critical to life and a lot of people have passed on because of unsafe water. That is why this government has taken it as a critical project… to ensure that we have potable water across the State,” the governor added.
Otti also disclosed that the Aba regional water project has reached 95 percent completion.
The state Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Ikechukwu Monday, noted that the initiative aligns with the Abia Integrated WASH Accelerated Programme. He revealed that previous attempts to flag off the projects were disrupted, including an incident involving the kidnapping of a financier.
Representatives of Mercy Corps, which facilitated the partnership, said the rehabilitation includes upgrading boreholes and pumps to ensure sustainable access to clean water.
The projects form part of Otti’s broader infrastructure renewal drive in power, roads and water supply since he assumed office in May 2023.
