Abia State has been selected as one of six beneficiaries of a major $700 million water and sanitation initiative funded by the World Bank, marking a significant boost to the state’s infrastructure and public health sector.
The programme, known as the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH), aims to improve access to clean water and sanitation services across participating states.
The development was disclosed by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, following a State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Alex Otti.
According to Kanu, Abia’s inclusion in the initiative highlights growing global confidence in the state’s governance reforms and development efforts. He emphasized that the progress recorded across multiple sectors has continued to attract attention from international development partners and financial institutions.
He further noted that multilateral agencies are increasingly showing interest in the state due to its ongoing transformation, positioning Abia as a preferred destination for development support.
In a related development, the commissioner announced the revival of the previously suspended USAID small-town WASH project. The project has now resumed under a new funding arrangement with Mercy Corps, with ongoing work expected in key locations such as Ubakala and Ariaria.
On energy, Kanu revealed that the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Agency has issued interim licenses to three firms New Era, Aba Power, and Geometric Power as part of efforts to strengthen electricity supply. He described the ongoing power restoration initiative as nearing completion, with about 85 percent of the work already done.
Improved power supply is expected to reach more areas, including Ohafia, before the end of the second quarter.
Additionally, the state has commenced a 1.8-megawatt solar-powered microgrid project aimed at providing electricity to central bus terminals in Umuahia and Aba. This forms part of Abia’s broader energy transition strategy focused on sustainable power solutions.
Kanu also announced key appointments, including Prof. Deka Chioma Okoropo as Chief Medical Director of Abia State University Teaching Hospital and Dr. Nkiru Kachidia Maduwe as Project Coordinator for NEWMAP under the Ministry of Environment.
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Looking ahead, the commissioner disclosed that Governor Otti’s third anniversary in office will be observed in a modest manner. Instead of elaborate celebrations, the administration will focus on commissioning completed projects and launching new ones across the state’s three senatorial zones, while also reviewing its development progress.
