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The Enugu State Government has announced plans to breathe new life into the dormant N4.5 billion water project situated in Akwuke, within the Enugu South Local Government Area.
Mr. Felix Nnamani, the Commissioner for Water Resources, disclosed this development during a Thursday meeting in Enugu with the Water Resources Committee of the State House of Assembly, under the leadership of Mrs. Obiajulu Ugwu, in conjunction with the Ministry of Water Resources.
Mr. Nnamani explained that the project, previously managed by the Anambra-Imo River Commission, aims to deliver sufficient water resources to meet the needs of Enugu’s urban population once it is finished.
He disclosed that efforts were in full swing to ensure the Adada water scheme operates at maximum capacity, emphasizing that the project will fulfill the water requirements of numerous Nsukka residents.
Additionally, he mentioned that, for the time being, the state government is procuring high-quality pumps and other essential components to facilitate the revival of both the Oji River and Ninth Mile water schemes.
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As per his statement, the Ninth Mile water scheme is presently supplying 60,000 cubic meters of water every day, showcasing Governor Peter Mbah’s commitment to fulfilling his campaign commitments.
Nnamani expressed his disappointment that a large number of taps in the state’s 473 communities had ceased to work. However, he promised that these faulty taps would be addressed and brought back into working condition soon.
Mr. Eteta Eta, the Programme Monitoring Evaluation Officer of WaterAid Nigeria, stressed the need for the government to prioritize the sustainability and maintenance of existing water schemes. Eta attributed the insufficient water supply to some state communities to the neglect and lack of protection of water installations.
He recommended that the communities benefiting from these initiatives adopt the practice of protecting water installations within their areas, as this is vital for ensuring an effective and uninterrupted water supply.
The committee chairperson, in her comments, said that the familiarisation visit aimed to provide them with firsthand information and an opportunity to interact with the leaders of the state’s water sector.
Ugwu emphasized the importance of all stakeholders being on the same page regarding the provision of clean water to the residents of Enugu State, highlighting that it is crucial for their well-being.