“A N1.3 Billion Promise Flows Again: Abia Governor Otti Flags Off Two Major Water Schemes”

To mark his third year in office, Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, officially launched the rehabilitation of the N1.3 billion Ubakala Water Scheme and the Ariaria Water Scheme in Aba on Sunday.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony held in Ubakala, Umuahia South Local Government Area, Governor Otti expressed deep gratitude to Mercy Corps for their support and resilience. He noted that both water projects are being executed simultaneously and will be commissioned at the same time.

“N1.3 billion is a huge sum, and we don’t take it for granted. By flagging off the Ubakala project, the Ariaria project is also flagged off. The next time we gather here, it will be to commission them,” Otti said.

The governor emphasized that water is fundamental to life, which is why his administration has made it a top priority. “Many people have lost their lives due to unsafe water. That is why this government is determined to provide potable water across the state,” he added.

Otti also revealed that the Aba regional water project is now 95% complete.

The State Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Ikechukwu Monday, shared a dramatic backstory: “This is the third time we’ve planned this flag-off. The first time, the financiers were kidnapped on their way here in Anambra. Initially, the project was financed by USAID through Mercy Corps. The second attempt was in January last year. But with Governor Otti’s leadership and Mercy Corps’ support, we finally secured a private financier.”

A representative of Mercy Corps’ Country Director, Rabiu Sani, said the organization operates in over 40 countries and is committed to sustainable interventions across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. “The scope includes rehabilitating existing boreholes, testing pumps, and fixing non functional ones,” he explained.

These rehabilitation projects are part of the Abia State Government’s broader push to improve access to clean water and strengthen public utilities. Since taking office in 2023, Governor Otti’s administration has prioritized infrastructure renewal covering power, roads, and water supply under its development agenda.