Abia State government has commissioned a water project in Okwoyi Isieke Ibeku in Umuahia North LGA, the first in the community for about 130 years.
The water project was executed by the Abia State Ministry of Power and Public Utilities through the Abia Rural Water Supply And Sanitation Agency.
The facility, which was officially opened for public use by Governor Alex Otti, followed the legislative intervention of the member representing Umuahia East constituency, Austin Okezie Meregini and reports by Television Continental, TVC, which exposed the terrible living conditions of Okwoyi residents.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Governor Otti who was represented by Deputy Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly, Austin Okezie Meregini, said he was worried by the acute water crises in some communities in the state, hence his administration’s determination to change the unhealthy situation.
He commended the Abia State Ministry of Power and Public Utilities and the Abia State Rural Water Supply And Sanitation Agency for ensuring that clean water is provided for Okwoyi indigenes and other communities.
In his speech, Abia State Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Ikechuckwu Monday said that Abia State Integrated WASH accelerated program was designed to achieve water supply, sanitation and hygiene.
He noted that Governor Otti believes that access to clean potable water is the right of every Abia indigene and commended the roles played by Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, Austin Okezie Meregini, Mr. Ibeabuchi Abarikwu and the media in bringing the plight of the people to government’s attention.
He appealed to the elders and youths of Okwoyi to protect the water project against vandals and looters.
Speaking to DAILY POST, the Interim Chairman of Okwoyi community, Mr Nnochiri Nworgu said his people before now, consumed polluted water which he said exposed them to health challenges for decades.
He disclosed that the shallow stream which served as their only source of water is very far from the community and usually dried up during the dry season.
