Abia State government has launched customer enumeration and block mapping.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Public Utilities and water resources, Engr Emma Nwabuko said that the programme which is in partnership with USAID E-WASH,World Bank and 2ML consulting Ltd was designed to update existing customers and produce a comprehensive and accurate data for water distribution in all nooks and crannies of the state.
Engr.Nwabuko who described data collection as vital factor for customers enumeration and block mapping noted that the gesture will assist the corporation delivery uninterrupted water supply to the citizens of the state.
He further stated that the aims and objectives of customers enumeration and block mapping is to make sure we have quick intervention whenever there is need for water supply, as well as to improve sanitation in the our environs and state in general.
The Public Utilities and water Resources Commissioner revealed that in Umuahia out of 191 households only 55% have access to water supply while the rest do not have access to water supply, adding that in Aba, most households do not have access to portable water supply either.
Engr.Emma Nwabuko further charged the enumerators to take the exercise seriously as the Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, has shown a very high political will and Commitment towards realizing the project.
In his speech, the GM/CEO Abia State Water Board and Sewage Corporation, Mr Ogbonna Chiemela Leo, said that state government keyed into the partnership initiative with experts in water sector to revive non existing water schemes in the state and expressed the hope that by next year Abians will enjoy portable water at commercial purposes at the comfort of their homes.
Mr Leo who described the exercise as a new dawn disclosed that Abia State government has paid her counterpart fund to fast-track the project.
Also speaking a Representative of 2ML Consulting Ltd and Trace Corps Solutions Joint Venture, Ms Patricia Nyakwere said that, they are in the state to assist Abia State water board and sewage corporation identify old customers and register new ones in Aba and other parts of Umuahia.
Ms Nyakwere disclosed that the exercise will focus on data collection of every beneficiaries in order to enhance the corporation service delivery.
Also speaking,A representative of USAID E WASH Dr Ishaku Ziyok ,called for collaborative efforts in ensuring the Agency realizes the project and enjoined the customers enumerators and block mapping to observe COVID-19 protocols outlined by NCDC and government.
