World Bank Selects Abia for $700m Water, Sanitation Programme
By Ekanem Asuquo
Abia State has been chosen as one of six beneficiary states under the 700 million dollar Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene Programme funded by the World Bank.
The state Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, made this known while briefing journalists after the State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Alex Otti.
Kanu said the development was a reflection of the confidence international development agencies now have in the policies and reforms being implemented by the state government.
He noted that Abia had continued to attract the attention of multilateral institutions due to the level of transformation recorded in critical sectors of governance.
“Abia State is gaining global recognition because of the visible progress and reforms taking place across the state,” he stated.
The commissioner also disclosed that the previously suspended small town Water, Sanitation and Hygiene project funded by United States Agency for International Development had resumed under a fresh funding arrangement through Mercy Corps.
According to him, work is expected to continue on water projects located in Ubakala and Ariaria communities.
Speaking on electricity supply, Kanu revealed that the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Agency had granted interim licences to New Era, Aba Power and Geometric Power as part of efforts to improve power distribution in the state.
He said the government’s power restoration programme had attained about 85 per cent completion, adding that areas including Ohafia are expected to enjoy full electricity supply before the end of the second quarter.
Kanu further announced the commencement of a 1.8 megawatt microgrid solar project aimed at supplying electricity to major bus terminals in Umuahia and Aba under the state’s renewable energy initiative.
The commissioner also announced the appointment of Prof. Deka Chioma Okoropo as Chief Medical Director of Abia State University Teaching Hospital, while Dr Nkiru Kachidia Maduwe was named Project Coordinator for the NEWMAP programme under the Ministry of Environment.
He added that Governor Otti would mark his third anniversary in office this month with the inauguration of completed projects and the flag off of new ones across the three senatorial zones instead of elaborate celebrations.
Kanu explained that the anniversary activities would also serve as an opportunity for the government to assess progress made so far in the implementation of its development programmes across the state.
