Gov. Otti Launches Revival of Aba Urban Water Scheme, Vows Access to Clean Water Across Abia

In a landmark step toward improving public health and infrastructure, Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has officially flagged off the resuscitation of the long-abandoned Aba Urban Water Scheme, pledging to restore access to safe and potable water for households across the state.

The ceremony, which took place on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at the historic Aba Regional Water Scheme located within St. Joseph’s College (Christ the King Cathedral), marks the beginning of a broader plan to rehabilitate other critical facilities such as the Ogbo Hill and Ariaria Water Schemes.

Governor Otti emphasized that access to clean water is an inalienable human right, essential for survival, public hygiene, education, and economic productivity.

“Life is threatened when water supply is either inadequate or compromised,” he declared.

The initiative is part of the Abia Integrated WASH Accelerated Programme (AIWAP), which seeks to ensure every household in the state is within a 2–3 minute walk of a public water standpipe. AIWAP, the Governor explained, is not just about water but a comprehensive strategy to improve health outcomes, education, emergency response, and economic resilience.

Governor Otti disclosed that despite facing funding setbacks earlier in the year due to shifts in international development aid, his administration devised local financing solutions to keep the project on course.

He also announced that a newly acquired high-capacity water drilling rig will soon be deployed to various communities across Abia to address acute water shortages.

Commending the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Mr. Ikechukwu Monday, and his team, Governor Otti reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting public infrastructure. He urged residents to pay their taxes, Guard public utilities, Report vandalism or sabotage.

In his remarks, Commissioner Ikechukwu Monday described the project as “bold and transformative,” pointing out that many communities in Abia still suffer from severe water scarcity.

“This is more than an infrastructure problem. It is a crisis of dignity, human development, and equity,” he said.

He revealed that the water facility at Christ the King Cathedral, once capable of producing over one million cubic metres per day, had become dormant due to years of neglect, ageing infrastructure, and lack of maintenance.

Mr. Monday commended Governor Otti for placing water access high on his agenda and appreciated the support of partners .

He added that the current project integrates sanitation, hygiene, renewable energy, health, education, climate resilience, and economic growth, with a strong focus on sustainability and community ownership through policy reforms and local capacity building.

Residents of Aba, many of whom haven’t had access to public water in over 20 years, welcomed the development with emotion and gratitude.

Mrs. Chinyere Onyeukwu and Mrs. Joy Ubakala, speaking to journalists, described the moment as “historic,” thanking Governor Otti for his unwavering leadership.

“Water hasn’t flowed here for decades. Seeing this project come to life under Governor Otti gives us hope. We pray nothing distracts him from this noble mission,” they said.

With the Aba Urban Water Scheme now undergoing rehabilitation, Governor Otti’s administration has signaled a clear intent to restore dignity, health, and opportunity to communities across Abia through basic but vital services. The revived water scheme is not just about infrastructure—it’s about creating a better quality of life, one drop at a time.