Governor Alex Otti on Sunday flagged off the rehabilitation of the N1.3 billion Ubakala Water Scheme and Ariaria Water Scheme projects as part of activities marking his three years anniversary in office.
The projects, aimed at improving access to clean and safe water across parts of Abia State, are expected to benefit thousands of residents in Umuahia and Aba upon completion.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony held at Ubakala in Umuahia South Local Government Area, Governor Otti expressed appreciation to humanitarian organisation Mercy Corps for supporting the state government in the execution of the projects.
The governor described the intervention as a major step toward addressing long-standing water supply challenges affecting many communities in the state.
Otti noted that although the official flag-off took place at the Ubakala Water Scheme site, the Ariaria Water Scheme project in Aba was equally considered inaugurated, stressing that both projects would be completed and commissioned simultaneously.
“I want to thank them for this support and their resilience. N1.3 Billion is a lot of money and we cannot take it for granted. As we flag it off, we will assume that we have flagged-off the two projects. So, when we return here again, it will be for commissioning the water scheme,” the governor stated.
He emphasised that access to clean water remains one of the most important responsibilities of government because of its direct impact on public health, sanitation and quality of life.
According to him, unsafe drinking water has contributed to the deaths of many people over the years, making investment in water infrastructure a top priority for his administration.
“Water is so critical to life and a lot of people have passed on because of unsafe water,” Otti said while reaffirming his government’s commitment to ensuring that residents have access to potable water.
The governor explained that the rehabilitation of the water schemes formed part of broader efforts by his administration to rebuild critical infrastructure across Abia State since assuming office.
He added that his government remained focused on projects capable of directly improving the welfare and living standards of ordinary citizens.
Residents and community leaders who attended the ceremony welcomed the development, describing it as a significant relief for communities that have struggled for years with inadequate water supply.
Many inhabitants of Aba and Umuahia have traditionally depended on boreholes, streams and private water vendors due to the collapse or inefficiency of public water infrastructure in several parts of the state.
Stakeholders believe the rehabilitation of the Ubakala and Ariaria water schemes could help reduce the burden on households while also improving hygiene and sanitation standards.
The Ariaria Water Scheme is expected to serve densely populated commercial areas in Aba, including traders and businesses operating within the popular Ariaria International Market, one of the largest markets in the South-East.
Analysts say improved water supply to the commercial city could enhance business activities, reduce operational costs for traders and support public health in crowded urban centres.
The Ubakala Water Scheme, on the other hand, is expected to improve access to potable water for residents of Umuahia South and neighbouring communities.
Speaking further during the event, Governor Otti said his administration was determined to reverse decades of infrastructural neglect in the state through strategic partnerships and responsible management of public resources.
He reiterated that development projects under his government would continue to focus on sectors that directly affect the daily lives of the people, including roads, healthcare, education, sanitation and water supply.
The governor also assured residents that quality standards would be strictly maintained during the rehabilitation process to ensure durability and effective service delivery.
Representatives of Mercy Corps commended the Abia State Government for prioritising projects with direct social impact and pledged continued collaboration in areas that promote community welfare and sustainable development.
They noted that access to clean water remains essential for reducing disease outbreaks, improving maternal and child health and supporting economic productivity.
Observers say the flag-off ceremony reflects Governor Otti’s effort to showcase achievements recorded during his three years in office while also reinforcing confidence in his administration’s infrastructure agenda.
Political analysts note that water infrastructure projects often have far-reaching economic and social benefits, particularly in urban areas where population growth and poor sanitation place increasing pressure on public utilities.
For many residents in Abia State, the successful completion of the projects would represent not only improved access to clean water but also renewed hope for better public services after years of inadequate infrastructure.
As rehabilitation work begins on both schemes, expectations remain high among residents who hope the projects will bring lasting relief to communities facing persistent water shortages and sanitation challenges.
