Abia Selected For 700 Million Dollar SURWASH Project, Announces Two Appointments

Abia State has been selected as one of six states to benefit from the 700 million dollar Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene SURWASH project funded by the World Bank.

The Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Monday at Government House Umuahia while briefing journalists on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.

Kanu said the selection reflects growing recognition of reforms and development efforts in the state, adding that ongoing transformation across sectors has attracted support from multilateral donor agencies.

He also announced the resumption of the USAID Small Town WASH project through a new funding partner, Mercy Corps. The project will include rehabilitation of the Ubakala and Ariaria water schemes.

On power, the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Agency has issued three interim licenses to New Era, Aba Power, and Geometric Power. The Ohafia Power Restoration Project, according to the Commissioner, has reached 85 percent completion and is expected to be delivered before the end of the second quarter.

Kanu further disclosed that installation has commenced on a 1.8 megawatt microgrid solar project aimed at powering central bus terminals in Umuahia and Aba. He said the initiative aligns with the state’s energy transition plan, including the deployment of electric buses under the Abia Green Shuttle Bus Service Scheme.

The Commissioner also announced two appointments approved by the governor. Professor Nneka Chioma Okoronkwo has been named Chief Medical Director of Abia State University Teaching Hospital, while Dr. Nkiru Chidia Maduekwe has been appointed Project Coordinator for NEWMAP under the Ministry of Environment.

The appointees are scheduled to be inaugurated on Thursday at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Umuahia.

Kanu said the administration will mark its third anniversary in May with the commissioning and flagging off of projects across the three senatorial zones of the state. Details of the anniversary activities will be announced later.

Speaking on the development, the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Engr. Ikechukwu Monday, said the SURWASH project will focus on rehabilitating water schemes to restore potable water supply, particularly in Ubakala and Ariaria.

He added that there are plans to integrate water infrastructure across locations to enable broader pipe-borne water distribution to residents.

The special adviser to the governor on media and publicity, Mr Ferdinand Ekeoma, was also present at the briefing.