GOV. OTTI FLAGS OFF REHABILITATION OF ABA REGIONAL WATER SCHEME.
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti has officially flagged-off the rehabilitation of Aba Regional Water Scheme, an initiative set up by the State Government to increase access to safe drinking water for every family in the State.
Flagging off the project at the premises of St. Joseph’s College, CKC Aba, Governor Alex Otti noted that, the resuscitation of the existing water schemes and the addition of new ones across the State are the integral components of the Abia Integrated WASH Accelerated Programme.
In the words of Governor Otti, “Our vision is to build a community where there is a public water stamp post within a two to three minute walking distance from every home.
“The initiative seeks to cut down the amount of time that thousands of individuals especially children and mothers commit to sourcing water from private boreholes or remote streams.
“The initiative, in addition to guaranteeing steady and sufficient water supply, will also support human hygiene and effective sanitation.
“Beyond Water Supply is a health care and human support initiative that will ultimately improve the health of our communities, support the economy through improved productivity, and give new impetus to our efforts to create mass prosperity, Gov. Otti stated.
He added that the project would also support emergency response services, especially in moments of fire outbreaks, enabling rescue workers to save lives and mitigate damages to property. He disclosed that he is resolute in his resolve to restore public water supply to Aba, Umuahia, and across the 57 rural water schemes in the State.
The Governor directed that the security teams be deployed to guard public assets and keep vandals at bay and encouraged all to pay close attention to public facilities and report suspected acts of sabotage to the appropriate authorities.
The Governor, who granted the request of the students of the St. Joseph’s College and directed the General Manager of ASEPA to ensure that before the end of the week, a refuse bin is delivered to the school also approved the establishment of Computer Based Test (CBT) Centre within the school with at least 250 computers.
He commended the contractor handling the project and representive of Vena Cava Technologies Nig. Ltd., Mr. Miloslav Mitic for his experience and commitment towards the project.
Also speaking, the member representing Aba central Constituency, Hon Ucheonye Stephen and the leader of Aba organised private sector, Ide John Udeagbala appreciated Governor Otti for the water project and assured him of the continuous support of their people.
In their speeches, the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Engr. Ikechukwu Monday and the General Manager Abia State Water and Sewage Corporation, Engr. Felix Okonkwo, who gave a brief history of the Aba Water Scheme said that the event is a bold and transformative initiative of Governor Otti towards improving the lives of the people
They noted that the water project would improve sanitation, healthcare and hygiene in schools and informed the audience that the duration for the revamping of the scheme is 6 months.
In a goodwill message, the Catholic Bishop of Aba Diocese, Most Rev. Prof. Augustine Echema commended Governor Otti for the laudable project he initiated.
The Bishop, who described it as a new beginning in Abia State, said that the Governor is matching words with action, adding that Abia has not have it so good as it is today.
The event was attended by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Ph.D, Mayors of Aba South, Aba North, Ukwa East, Osisioma and other senior members of the Abia State Government, including members of the Aba business community, members of Labour Party and members of Abia Arise among others.
Ctz. UKOHA, NJOKU UKOHA
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.
16-07-2025.
