Otti Flags Off N1.3bn Water Projects in Abia

By Peter Okore, Umuahia

Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, at the weekend flagged off the rehabilitation of the N1.3 billion Ubakala Water Scheme in Umuahia South Local Government Area and the Ariaria Water Scheme in Aba.

The projects are being executed through a partnership between the Abia State Government and Mercy Corps, an international humanitarian organisation operating in more than 40 countries.

The scope of work includes the rehabilitation of existing boreholes, testing and repair of pumps, installation of renewable solar energy systems, and the training of technical personnel who will manage the facilities.

Flagging off the projects at Ubakala as part of activities marking the third anniversary of his administration, Governor Otti said the Ubakala and Ariaria water schemes would be commissioned simultaneously upon completion.

Water scheme

“I want to thank Mercy Corps for this support to the state and for their resilience. N1.3 billion is a lot of money and we cannot take it for granted,” the governor said.

“We are flagging off this project and, by extension, the Ariaria Water Scheme. When we return here again, it will be for the commissioning of the water schemes.
“Water is critical to life, and many people have lost their lives because of unsafe water.That is why this government considers potable water supply as one of its priority projects across the state,” Otti stated.

The governor further disclosed that the Aba Regional Water Project had reached 95 per cent completion, noting that the new project would further strengthen water supply in the Ariaria axis.

Speaking earlier, the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Engr. Ikechukwu Monday, said the projects aligned with the objectives of the Abia Integrated WASH Accelerated Programme launched by the Otti administration.

He recalled that the project had suffered several setbacks before its eventual take-off.
“This is the third time the flag-off of these projects has been planned. The first time, the financiers travelling to the site were kidnapped along Anambra axis.

“The second attempt was in January last year after the new U.S. administration took over and the USAID-supported funding arrangement with Mercy Corps was affected,” he explained.

According to him, Mercy Corps later secured a private financier to support the execution of the projects.

“As we break ground for this project, we are not only rehabilitating water facilities, but also restoring the dignity of our people. That is what the government of Dr. Otti stands for,” he added.

Also speaking, a representative of the Mercy Corps Country Director, Mr. Rabiu Sani, said the organisation’s interventions had impacted lives across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones over the past decade.

He explained that the project would include the installation of about 280 solar panels, each with a capacity of 580 watts, to ensure sustainable power supply for the schemes.
“Our focus is to improve public health, reduce dependence on unsafe water sources, and support homes and markets with reliable infrastructure that restores confidence in public service delivery,” Sani said.

He added that community ownership and sustainability were central to the initiative, stressing that local technical teams would be trained to manage and maintain the facilities after completion.

Sani commended Governor Otti and the Ministry of Power and Public Utilities for their commitment to improving water infrastructure in the state and assured of continued collaboration with the government.