Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has officially launched the Abia Integrated Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Accelerated Programme (AIWAP), aimed at improving public sanitation and access to clean water across the state.
As part of the initiative, the Governor also commissioned a 150kVA solar power system with a 430kWh battery storage at the Abia State Specialist and Diagnostic Center. The solar installation is designed to sustainably power healthcare facilities and reduce dependence on the national grid.
Speaking at the launch held at Okigwe Park, Umuahia — the pilot location for the AIWAP — Governor Otti revealed that the project is currently being implemented in nine other locations across the state, with plans to expand further.
Describing the project as a holistic solution to sanitation challenges, Governor Otti emphasized the government’s commitment to providing alternatives to open defecation and improving hygiene conditions.
“This is a great project because you cannot talk about sanitation or forbid open defecation without providing functional alternatives. It’s not just about toilets — this is an integrated solution that includes water, sanitation, and renewable energy,” the Governor said.
He noted that the AIWAP initiative underscores his administration’s drive to deliver sustainable and people-centered infrastructure.
Earlier in his remarks, the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Engr. Ikechukwu Monday, highlighted the strategic nature of the project. He noted that the facilities, being rolled out in 10 key locations, are designed to be user-friendly and self-sustaining through solar power.
“This programme is critical to shaping the future of the WASH sector in Abia. Each unit includes three toilets for males and females, separate washrooms, and steady water supply powered entirely by solar energy. The facility also provides access to clean water for nearby residents,” he stated.
He added that the state had procured a modern drilling rig in 2024 to support the development of additional boreholes in rural communities as part of efforts to improve access to safe water.
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