The Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu has signed into Law, the State Water Bill 2021 which was recently passed by the House of Assembly.
The Governor also launched the State Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Policy (WASH) and declared a state of emergency on the WASH sector in the State.
Speaking at the event today at Government House Umuahia, Governor Ikpeazu said that the essence of the law is to provide the legal framework to guide the State actions with regard to the provision of portable water to all households in the State.
Ikpeazu said the law makes it mandatory for the government to do the needful to give water to the people, adding that it also spells out the responsibilities of the citizenry.
Presenting the Water Bill, the Secretary to the Abia State government and Chairman, Steering Committee on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, Chris Ezem described the signing of the Bill into Law as a milestone.
In their remarks,the acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Public Utilities, Friday Chika and the General Manager, Abia State Water Board,Leo Ogbonna said signing of the bill is the beginning of good things in the State as it will reduce the mortality rate as a result of water-borne diseases.
