Community News
Cloud of uncertainty looms over water scheme, school renovations in Abia
Written By: Emmanuel Ikhenebome
02 Oct 2025 04:49 PM
Bende, Abia – A troubling cloud of uncertainty has descended over development projects in Bende Federal Constituency, Abia State, as civil society organization Tracka exposes apparent lapses in the execution of two significant federal allocations from the 2024 budget.
The revelations, shared via posts on X on Thursday, have ignited demands for transparency and accountability from the Anambra/Imo River Basin Development Authority (AIRBDA), the agency responsible for overseeing these initiatives.
The first concern centers on the Uzuakoli Water Scheme, a N20 million project intended to address water supply challenges in the region.
Tracka’s investigation, posted earlier today, revealed no visible progress despite the allocation. The organization has called on AIRBDA to provide a detailed report on the funds’ utilization and to expedite action to ensure the project’s completion.
This development stands in stark contrast to recent infrastructure advancements in the area, including roads and educational facilities commissioned by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu in April 2025 under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Local residents, who rely on the region’s natural streams, are growing anxious about the apparent mismanagement of resources meant to enhance their living conditions.
AIRBDA has yet to issue an official response, leaving the community in suspense and fueling speculation about the fate of the water scheme.
In a separate but related investigation, Tracka uncovered significant discrepancies in a N350 million project aimed at renovating 10 primary schools in Bende Local Government Area (LGA) of Abia North. The team visited two schools—Okai Item and Amaokwe Item to assess progress.
The findings paint a disappointing picture of partial execution and neglected promises.
At Okai Item, the school was found locked, with only superficial improvements such as a fresh coat of yellow paint and a new red roof visible. A lone figure at the entrance hinted at minimal activity.
At Amaokwe Item, while repainting and roofing were completed, the headteacher reported a critical lack of teaching aids and revealed that cement bags intended for floor plastering were removed by contractors.
Tracka, renowned for monitoring over 17,811 projects across Nigeria and recording 3,500 success stories, has urged AIRBDA to provide public accountability for both the water scheme and school renovation funds.
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The stalled projects contrast with broader development efforts in Abia North, where Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has overseen the reconstruction of over 30 primary schools, including Umunnato Central School in Amaeke Item. However, these federal initiatives appear to be faltering, raising concerns about the effective use of public funds.
As no official response has been forthcoming from AIRBDA, Tracka has encouraged public vigilance and collaboration to track these projects.
The revelations, shared via posts on X on Thursday, have ignited demands for transparency and accountability from the Anambra/Imo River Basin Development Authority (AIRBDA), the agency responsible for overseeing these initiatives.
The first concern centers on the Uzuakoli Water Scheme, a N20 million project intended to address water supply challenges in the region.
Tracka’s investigation, posted earlier today, revealed no visible progress despite the allocation. The organization has called on AIRBDA to provide a detailed report on the funds’ utilization and to expedite action to ensure the project’s completion.
This development stands in stark contrast to recent infrastructure advancements in the area, including roads and educational facilities commissioned by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu in April 2025 under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Local residents, who rely on the region’s natural streams, are growing anxious about the apparent mismanagement of resources meant to enhance their living conditions.
AIRBDA has yet to issue an official response, leaving the community in suspense and fueling speculation about the fate of the water scheme.
In a separate but related investigation, Tracka uncovered significant discrepancies in a N350 million project aimed at renovating 10 primary schools in Bende Local Government Area (LGA) of Abia North. The team visited two schools—Okai Item and Amaokwe Item to assess progress.
The findings paint a disappointing picture of partial execution and neglected promises.
At Okai Item, the school was found locked, with only superficial improvements such as a fresh coat of yellow paint and a new red roof visible. A lone figure at the entrance hinted at minimal activity.
At Amaokwe Item, while repainting and roofing were completed, the headteacher reported a critical lack of teaching aids and revealed that cement bags intended for floor plastering were removed by contractors.
Tracka, renowned for monitoring over 17,811 projects across Nigeria and recording 3,500 success stories, has urged AIRBDA to provide public accountability for both the water scheme and school renovation funds.
rx
The stalled projects contrast with broader development efforts in Abia North, where Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has overseen the reconstruction of over 30 primary schools, including Umunnato Central School in Amaeke Item. However, these federal initiatives appear to be faltering, raising concerns about the effective use of public funds.
As no official response has been forthcoming from AIRBDA, Tracka has encouraged public vigilance and collaboration to track these projects.
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