Abia State has been selected as one of six beneficiaries of a $700 million World Bank-funded water and sanitation project, marking a significant boost to Nigeria’s efforts to improve access to clean water and hygiene services.
The funding falls under the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) Programme, a large-scale initiative designed to expand access to potable water and sanitation infrastructure across participating states.
According to Abia State’s Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, the inclusion of the state reflects growing international confidence in its governance reforms and development trajectory.
The project is expected to deliver improved water supply systems in both urban and rural communities, addressing long-standing challenges in access to safe drinking water and sanitation services.
In addition to the World Bank initiative, the state government disclosed that a previously suspended USAID small-town WASH project has resumed under a new funding arrangement with Mercy Corps, with ongoing work on water schemes in Ubakala and Ariaria.
Officials noted that the SURWASH programme will also support the rehabilitation and expansion of existing water infrastructure, helping to deliver pipe-borne water to households and businesses while improving overall public health outcomes. The development comes amid broader infrastructure reforms in the state, including progress in electricity supply and renewable energy projects, as the government seeks to enhance service delivery and attract further investment.
