Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has flagged off the rehabilitation of the ₦1.3 billion Ubakala Water Scheme and Ariaria Water Scheme in Aba, as part of activities marking the third anniversary of his administration.
The ceremony, held at Ubakala in Umuahia South Local Government Area, marked the official commencement of the two major water infrastructure projects aimed at expanding access to clean and potable water across the state.
Governor Otti expressed appreciation to development partners, including Mercy Corps, for their support, describing the investment as significant and impactful.
He said the administration deliberately prioritised water supply due to its importance to public health and overall wellbeing, noting that unsafe water remains a major cause of preventable diseases and deaths.
“Water is so critical to life and a lot of people have passed on because of unsafe water,” the governor said. “That is why this government has taken it as a critical project to ensure potable water across the state.”
Otti added that the Aba regional water project is already about 95 percent completed, stating that the newly flagged-off schemes would further strengthen water supply systems in Aba and surrounding communities.
The Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Ikechukwu Monday, commended the governor’s commitment to improving water infrastructure, saying the project aligns with the state’s Integrated WASH Accelerated Programme.
He explained that the project had faced delays due to funding and security challenges but was revived through renewed partnerships and private financing support.
According to him, the initiative goes beyond infrastructure rehabilitation and is aimed at restoring dignity to residents while improving access to safe water.
“This is not just about rehabilitating water systems; it is about restoring the dignity of our people,” he said.
A representative of Mercy Corps Country Director, Rabiu Sani, said the organisation operates in over 40 countries and has implemented programmes across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones for more than a decade.
He explained that the project includes rehabilitation of existing boreholes, repair and testing of pumping systems, and installation of solar-powered energy systems with about 280 panels of 580 watts each.
According to him, the combined investment of ₦1.3 billion will improve public health, reduce dependence on unsafe water sources, and strengthen community infrastructure in markets and households.
He also emphasised community ownership and sustainability, noting that local technical teams would be trained to manage and maintain the water systems after completion.
The event was attended by lawmakers, senior government officials, security advisers, and local government representatives, among other stakeholders.
