Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, on Sunday flagged off the rehabilitation of the N1.3 billion Ubakala Water Scheme and Ariaria Water Scheme projects as part of activities marking his administration’s three-year anniversary.
The projects, launched at Ubakala in Umuahia South Local Government Area, form part of the Abia State Government’s broader efforts to improve access to potable water and strengthen public utility infrastructure across the state.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony, Mr Otti expressed appreciation to Mercy Corps for its support and resilience in helping to facilitate the projects.
“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. 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.” Mr Otti said.
The governor explained that although the ceremony was held in Ubakala, both the Ubakala and Ariaria water schemes had officially been flagged off and would be commissioned simultaneously upon completion.
Water supply a critical priority
Mr Otti described access to clean water as essential to public health and survival, stressing that his administration considers water infrastructure a major development priority.
“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 critical project, one of her critical projects, to ensure that we have potable water across the State.” he said.
He also revealed that the Aba Regional Water Project had reached 95 percent completion, signaling further progress in the state’s water infrastructure drive.
Delays, financing and project support
Abia State Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Ikechukwu Monday, said the initiative aligns with the objectives of the Abia Integrated WASH Accelerated Programme earlier inaugurated by the governor.
He disclosed that the project had faced multiple delays before eventually securing private financing support.
“This is the third time that the flag-off of these projects has been planned. The first time, we had a date, the financier was on their way to this place, and along Anambra, they were kidnapped.” Mr Monday clarified.
He explained that the project was initially financed by USAID through Mercy Corps before challenges delayed implementation.
“Since then, Gov. Otti has provided leadership and through the support of Mercy Corps last year, we got the private financier who has accepted to finance this project.”
Mercy corps highlights scope of intervention
The representative of the Country Director, Rabiu Sani, said Mercy Corps continues to support sustainable humanitarian and development interventions across Nigeria.
He explained that the water scheme rehabilitation includes major technical upgrades.
“We want to improve livelihood and then we also want to ensure that our projects are sustainable.”
According to him, the project scope includes:
- Rehabilitation of existing boreholes
- Testing of existing pumps
- Rehabilitation of damaged pumping systems
- Strengthening long-term water sustainability
The rehabilitation projects are part of Governor Otti’s broader infrastructure renewal strategy aimed at improving power supply, road networks, water access, and essential public utilities across Abia State.
Since assuming office in 2023, the administration has continued to prioritize development-focused projects under its governance agenda.
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