Otti flags off N1.3bn Ubakala, Ariaria water schemes

….Targets safe water across Abia
By Steve Oko

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has flagged off the rehabilitation of the Ubakala Water Scheme in Umuahia South LGA, and the Ariaria Water Scheme in Aba, declaring access to potable water a top priority of his administration.
The twin projects, valued at N1.3 billion and supported by humanitarian organisation Mercy Corps, were launched on Sunday at Ubakala as part of activities marking the third anniversary of the Otti administration.
Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Otti said the projects underscored his government’s determination to guarantee a safe and clean water supply across the state, noting that unsafe water had claimed many lives over the years.
“Water is critical to life. A lot of people have passed on because of unsafe water, and that is why this government has taken potable water as one of its critical projects,” Otti declared.
The Governor announced that the Aba Regional Water Project had already reached 95 per cent completion, explaining that the Ariaria Water Scheme would further strengthen water supply to Aba and its environs.
He disclosed that although the projects were being flagged off at Ubakala, both schemes would be executed simultaneously and commissioned together.
“I want to thank Mercy Corps for their resilience and support. N1.3 billion is a huge investment, and we do not take it for granted. When we return here, it will be for the commissioning of the projects,” Otti stated.
Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Engr. Ikechukwu Monday said the projects aligned with the Abia Integrated WASH Accelerated Programme initiated by Governor Otti to improve water, sanitation, and hygiene services in the state.
He revealed that the projects suffered repeated delays due to insecurity and the suspension of USAID interventions following policy changes in the United States.
“The first attempt to flag off the project failed after the financiers were kidnapped along the Anambra axis. The second attempt was stalled after USAID support was withdrawn. But Governor Otti showed leadership and secured alternative private financing through Mercy Corps,” the Commissioner explained.
Monday stressed that the projects represented more than water rehabilitation, describing them as a restoration of public confidence and dignity.
“As we break the ground today, we are not just rehabilitating water facilities, we are restoring the dignity of our people,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of Mercy Corps Country Director, Mr Rabiu Sani said the organisation had operated in Nigeria for over a decade with interventions cutting across the six geopolitical zones.
He disclosed that the projects would involve the rehabilitation of existing boreholes and pumps, while also deploying renewable solar-powered systems to guarantee sustainable operations.
According to him, over 280 solar panels of 580 watts each would be installed under the scheme.
“These projects represent a combined investment of over N1.3 billion aimed at improving public health, reducing dependence on unsafe water, and restoring confidence in public infrastructure,” he said.
Sani added that community ownership and sustainability remained central to the intervention, assuring that technical teams from host communities would be trained before the projects are commissioned.
Top government officials, lawmakers, commissioners, security aides, and stakeholders attended the event.

The post Otti flags off N1.3bn Ubakala, Ariaria water schemes appeared first on Vanguard News.