Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, Tuesday, signed into law, the Abia State Water Bill which makes it mandatory for the State government to provide affordable portable water to all households in the State.
Governor Ikpeazu who also launched the Abia State Water Sanitation and Hygiene Policy (WASH) declared a state of Emergency on the WASH Sector and placed a ban on open defecation in public places.
Speaking during the event held at Government House Umuahia, the Governor Ikpeazu described water as critcal to the well-being of the citizenry.
He noted that his administration is tackling issues concerning provision of water as part of it’s efforts to promote a healthy society and improve the socio-economic status of the people.
According to the Governor, the essence of the water bill is to provide a legal framework to guide government’s actions and make it mandatory for it to provide affordable portable water to all households in the State.
The Governor who regretted that at lot of lives have been lost on account of water borne diseases said his administration will do the needful to provide affordable water supply to it’s citizenry.
He called for proper sanitation and Hygiene from the people as contained in the law and the WASH policy adding that government will give greater impetus to the Ministry of Environment and the State Water Board to ensure they achieve government’s desires and compliance to laid down principles.
Earlier while presenting the bill to the Governor for signing, the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Chris Ezem described the event as a milestone in the history of the present adminstration adding that it would benefit the State and Abians in general.
Ezem, while noting that the signing of the Water Bill into Law will facilitate projects by international donors and bring other benefits to the State,disclosed that the State has continued to partner USAID E-WASH in projects such as rehabilitating of the Ariaria, Ubakala Water Schemes and delivery of ICT equipment in the water sector.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Public Utilities and Water Resources,Engr. Chika Friday and the Managing Director, Abia Water And Sewage Corporation, Engr Leo Ogbonna expressed delight that water borne diseases would be tackled head long through the introduction of the Water Bill and the WASH policy.
