Abia Secures $700m World Bank SURWASH Project, Deepens Water Infrastructure Expansion Across Urban, Rural Areas

The Abia State Government has secured inclusion in a $700 million World Bank-funded water and sanitation programme, alongside a renewed drive to expand and rehabilitate water infrastructure across the state,

The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu stated this on Monday, at Government House Umuahia, during a briefing session with newsmen on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Alex Otti.

A cross section of journalists at the briefing

Kanu announced that Abia State has been selected under the Sustainable Urban, Rural and Water Sanitation (SURWASH) programme, a World Bank-supported initiative aimed at improving access to potable water and strengthening sanitation systems across participating states.

According to him, the inclusion of the state reflects sustained reforms and improving performance in key infrastructure sectors.

“Abia State continues to attract international development partnerships due to consistent progress in critical sectors,” Kanu said.

He explained that the SURWASH programme will support the rehabilitation, expansion, and improved management of water supply systems in both urban and rural communities across the state.

Explaining further, Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Engr Ikechukwu Monday said the resumption of the Small Town WASH project, which had previously been suspended but has now been reactivated through a new funding arrangement facilitated by Mercy Corps.

Ikechukwu said the project will focus on the rehabilitation of existing water schemes and the integration of fragmented systems into a coordinated and sustainable water supply network, with priority intervention in communities such as Ubakala and Ariaria.

“This intervention goes beyond rehabilitation. It is about building a sustainable system that guarantees long-term access to clean water,” he stated.

He further disclosed that contractors have been mobilised to project sites, with implementation already ongoing in phases across selected locations.

Ikechukwu also noted that several water infrastructure systems originally built decades ago are being upgraded to meet current population growth and demand pressures.

He added that community sensitisation and stakeholder engagement remain key components of the implementation process to ensure sustainability and protection of infrastructure assets.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma was present at the briefing.