By: Imo Thomas -Umuahia.
Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti will this Wednesday, launch the integrated wash accelerator programme (IWAP), a project designed to bring water sanitation and hygiene back on track in the state.
The commissioner for information Prince Okey kanu, disclosed this while briefing newsmen on the outcome of this week’s EXCO meeting chaired by Governor Alex Otti on Monday evening at the Government House Umuahia.
He equally said that on the same day the state Governor will, flag off the rehabilitation of the Aba Regional Water Scheme at CKC Aba, in fulfillment of one of his campaign promises of returning potable water to the homes of Abians in the cities and communities in the state.
Prince Kanu,said that the facilities are aimed at providing safe, readily available and sustainable water sanitation services in the state that supports both current and future development needs.
“The project is in line with the mandate of His Excellency Dr. Alex Otti towards the realization of United Nations Sustainable Development Goal No.6 as Zero Defecation in Abia State through the Abia Integrated Wash Accelerator Programme.
“The programme will involve the construction, operation and maintenance of modern water facilities powered by solar energy, Prince Kanu stated.
The Commissioner equally announced that the Governor would commission the 150 kVs solar power, 430 kW battery storage, a project that is designed to power health facilities in the state with solar energy, while reducing reliance on grid electricity, thereby decreasing diesel consumption and promoting sustainability.
Prince Kanu disclosed that the state government has paid for the procurement of electric vehicles for the Abia State Mass Transit transport scheme, adding that the buses which are being fabricated in China would be delivered around November 2025.
He further informed that the routes for the buses have been marked out and all necessary logistic support put in place in readiness for the successful take-off of the scheme.
He also said that in line with the cultural revolution being promoted by the Governor, the state government through the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy would launch a creative talent programme across 17 LGAs of the state on 25 July 2025.
The initiative according to the Commissioner is meant to scout for artistic and other creative talents across 17 LGAs of the state, noting that the programme would foster youth inclusion and grassroots empowerment of the youth population in the state.
“This programme further underscores the state government’s commitment to cultural innovation with the engagement and global visibility of Abia’s creative potential in line with the vision of His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti,” Prince Kanu stated.
He said that Abia State has begun formal proceedings to position Aba as a UNESCO Creative City, noting that, a delegation is set to visit Aba this week for early-stage assessments of Aba, adding that the strategic move aims to elevate Aba’s creative profile globally while aligning with global standards.
The Information boss, also revealed that about 4.1 billion Naira has been raised from the launch of the Abia State Security Trust Fund held last week.
He equally stated that in line with the beautification and urban renewal programme of the state government, involving designated public spaces and routes, rural artworks are currently being designed at FMC Umuahia, Osisioma interchange (Flyover) at Aba, and Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, among others while, direct level work is currently ongoing at 53 locations across the state.
