World Bank selects Abia for $700m water project

World Bank has selected Abia State as one of six states to benefit from the $700 million Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) programme.

The development was disclosed on Monday by the state Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, while briefing journalists after the State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Alex Otti.

Kanu said the inclusion of Abia in the programme reflects growing international confidence in the state’s governance reforms and development efforts.

He noted that the SURWASH initiative focuses on improving access to water, sanitation and hygiene services across urban and rural communities, adding that Abia’s selection highlights the impact of reforms across multiple sectors.

According to him, multilateral development institutions are increasingly directing attention to the state due to ongoing improvements in governance and infrastructure.

The commissioner also revealed that the previously suspended WASH project funded by United States Agency for International Development has resumed under a new arrangement through Mercy Corps. He said work would continue on water schemes in Ubakala and Ariaria.

In the power sector, Kanu disclosed that the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Agency has issued interim licences to three firms—New Era, Aba Power, and Geometric Power—as part of efforts to improve electricity supply in the state.

He explained that the ongoing “half-year power restoration project” has reached about 85 per cent completion, with full electricity supply expected in some areas, including Ohafia, before the end of the second quarter.

Kanu further announced the launch of a 1.8-megawatt microgrid solar project aimed at powering central bus terminals in Umuahia and Aba, describing it as part of the state’s broader energy transition plan.

On appointments, the commissioner said Governor Otti has approved the appointment of Deka Chioma Okoropo as Chief Medical Director of Abia State University Teaching Hospital, and Nkiru Kachidia Maduwe as Project Coordinator for NEWMAP under the Ministry of Environment.

He added that the governor, who marks three years in office this month, will celebrate the anniversary in a low-key manner, focusing on commissioning completed projects and flagging off new ones across the state’s three senatorial zones while reviewing progress made so far.