Otti Unveils N1.3bn Water Projects in Abia

Abia State Governor Alex Otti has flagged off the rehabilitation of two major water schemes valued at N1.3bn, as part of activities marking his third year in office.

The projects include the Ubakala Water Scheme and the Ariaria Water Scheme in Aba, aimed at improving access to potable water across the state.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony in Ubakala, Umuahia South Local Government Area, Otti said the intervention reflects his administration’s commitment to providing safe and reliable water for residents.

He noted that water remains a critical necessity for life and public health, stressing that many preventable deaths are linked to consumption of unsafe water.

“Water is so critical to life and a lot of people have passed on because of unsafe water,” the governor said.

Otti added that the government is prioritising water infrastructure as one of its key development projects, with plans to ensure sustainable access across urban and rural communities.

He also expressed appreciation to development partners, including Mercy Corps, for their support in financing and implementing the water projects.

According to him, both the Ubakala and Ariaria water schemes are expected to be completed and commissioned simultaneously once fully rehabilitated.

The governor further disclosed that the Aba regional water project has reached about 95 per cent completion, describing it as another milestone in his administration’s infrastructure drive.

Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Ikechukwu Monday, said the projects align with the Abia Integrated WASH Accelerated Programme initiated by the state government.

He explained that the projects had faced delays in the past, including an earlier failed flag-off attempt due to insecurity involving project financiers, but said new funding arrangements had since been secured through Mercy Corps.

A representative of Mercy Corps, Rabiu Sani, said the organisation operates in over 40 countries and focuses on improving livelihoods and delivering sustainable development projects across Nigeria.

He said the intervention includes rehabilitation of boreholes, repair of water pumps and upgrading of existing water infrastructure to ensure long-term functionality.

The water schemes form part of the Otti administration’s broader infrastructure agenda, which also includes road rehabilitation, power improvement and public utility reforms aimed at improving living conditions in Abia State.