Abia Government Moves to Address Ohanso Water Contamination, Deploys Emergency Team for Safe Water Supply

The Abia State Government has taken swift action to safeguard residents of Ohanso community in Ukwa East Local Government Area from the dangers of contaminated water. An emergency management team has been set up to provide potable water and investigate the health risks posed by the contamination.

Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Monday while briefing journalists at the Government House, Umuahia, after this week’s State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti, OFR. He emphasized that the measure became necessary to prevent serious health hazards linked to the ingestion of hydrocarbons.

According to Kanu, the Ministry of Health will conduct a detailed investigation to assess the level of contamination and its impact on the community. He stressed that the government’s quick response reflects its commitment to offering timely solutions to communities facing urgent threats.

The Commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Professor Joel Ogbonna, who heads the emergency team, explained that the intervention followed reports of suspected crude oil discovered in a borehole, which subsequently contaminated the community’s water supply. He added that the state has initiated a full inquiry while working to ensure residents have immediate access to safe drinking water.