RismadarVoice Reporters, May 25, 2026
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has flagged off the rehabilitation of the N1.3 billion Ubakala and Ariaria Water Schemes as part of activities marking his third anniversary in office.
Speaking during the ceremony at Ubakala in Umuahia South Local Government Area on Sunday, Otti said the projects underscore his administration’s commitment to expanding access to potable water across the state.
The governor commended Mercy Corps and other development partners for supporting the initiative, describing the intervention as critical to public health and infrastructure renewal.
“N1.3 billion is a huge investment and we do not take it for granted. Water is essential to life, and many lives have been lost due to unsafe water,” Otti said.
He disclosed that the Aba Regional Water Scheme has reached 95 per cent completion, adding that both the Ubakala and Ariaria schemes would be commissioned simultaneously upon completion.
Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Ikechukwu Monday, revealed that the project suffered repeated delays after financiers linked to the initial USAID-backed funding arrangement were kidnapped en route to the state.
According to him, the state government later secured alternative private financing through the support of Mercy Corps.
“This is the third attempt to flag off this project. The first failed because the financiers were kidnapped around the Anambra axis, while the second was stalled last January,” Monday said.
The Country Director’s representative at Mercy Corps, Rabiu Sani, said the organisation’s intervention would focus on rehabilitating boreholes, testing existing pumps and restoring damaged facilities to ensure a sustainable water supply.
The projects are part of the Abia Integrated WASH Accelerated Programme aimed at improving water infrastructure and strengthening public utilities across the state.
