Umuahia (Nigeria): Abia has secured selection as one of six states to receive the World Bank-funded Sustainable Urban, Rural and Water Sanitation Hygiene (SURWASH) project, according to the state government.
The Commissioner for Information, Mr Okey Kanu, briefed newsmen at the Government House, Umuahia, on Monday’s outcomes of the State Executive Council meeting.
Kanu said the multi-million-dollar project would support water, sanitation, and hygiene programmes to improve access to potable water and sanitation services in the state.
He said that international development partners chose Abia for the project because they have growing confidence in the state government’s reforms and infrastructure drive.
He also announced that the USAID Small-Town WASH project (STWASH), previously suspended by the American Government, has resumed.
According to Kanu, the project has secured new funding from Mercy Corps and will focus on rehabilitating urban and rural water schemes across the state.
Speaking on developments in the power sector, he said the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Authority had issued three interim licences to New Era, Aba Power, and Geometric Power.
He stated that the Ohafia Power Restoration Project has reached 85 per cent completion and expects delivery before the end of the fourth quarter of the year.
The commissioner further disclosed that a 1.8-megawatt microgrid solar power system is being installed at the central bus terminals in Umuahia and Aba. This project aims to ensure more reliable and sustainable electricity at these transportation hubs, benefiting commuters and businesses.
He said the State Government’s integrated clean energy transition program includes this initiative.
He also announced the appointments of Prof. Nneka Okoronkwo as Chief Medical Director of Abia State University Teaching Hospital and Dr Nkeiruka Mmaduekwe as Project Manager for the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project under the Ministry of Environment.
He said that Gov. Alex Otti also approved the appointment of Dr Nkeiruka Mmaduekwe as the Project Manager for the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project under the Ministry of Environment.
He said the governor will formally swear in the appointees on Thursday.
Kanu further said that the State Government would mark its third anniversary later in May with project inaugurations and flag-offs across the three senatorial districts.
He said the anniversary would focus on developmental activities.
He said, “A planning committee has already started coordinating the anniversary events, and officials will announce program details in due course.”
