Abia pledges better access to safe water, sanitation services

Abia State Governor Alex Otti's administration is prioritizing the enhancement of safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services. The state government is actively pursuing strategic partnerships, rehabilitating existing water facilities, and investing in long-term infrastructure development to achieve this goal.

During a two-day workshop in Umuahia, stakeholders convened to validate data and develop a comprehensive Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene Investment Plan. The event, organized by the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation in collaboration with the state's Ministry of Power and Public Utilities and Teamwork Global Associates, emphasized the importance of meaningful contributions to strengthen the Federal Government's rural WASH program.

Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Ikechukwu Monday, stressed the administration's deep commitment to transforming the water sector. He stated that the focus is shifting from temporary fixes to sustainable, long-term infrastructure, with the clear objective of providing uninterrupted access to safe drinking water for every household, in both urban and rural areas. This initiative is viewed as a key driver for public health and sustainable development within the state.

The workshop also served as a platform to review and refine findings from a statewide needs assessment. Consultants had previously assessed water supply, sanitation, and hygiene facilities across all 17 local government areas. Local government leaders expressed optimism that the validated report and stakeholder recommendations would significantly support ongoing efforts to improve WASH services.

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We have a crucial commitment in our state as it concerns water. The state government remains deeply committed to transforming our water sector. We are moving away from temporary fixes towards sustainable, long-term infrastructure. Through strategic partnerships, rehabilitation of water schemes and modernisation of distribution networks, our goal is very clear – to ensure that every household, both in urban and rural communities, enjoys uninterrupted access to safe drinking water.