Enugu, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- In furtherance of its commitment to ensuring constant supply of portable water in Enugu State, the state government on Tuesday launched the Enugu State Water Sector Law, to help in regulation of water circulation in and outside the state.
This is even as the government promised that it would provide 60,000 cubic metres of water before 23rd of November, as part of efforts to fulfil its campaign promises.
The Governor, Peter Mbah, stated this on Tuesday at the official Launching and dissemination of the Water Sector Law, in Enugu.
The event was organised by Enugu State Ministry of Water Resources in partnership with WaterAid Nigeria and the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF).
Governor Mbah who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Chidiebere Onyia, noted that providing potable water to the residents was his priority and that he would do everything possible to attain the feat.
Reiterating his commitment to ensuring that residents enjoy potable water supply with the launch of the Water Sector Law, Mbah said, “We are not only working on providing water but also enough water for the people’s consumption, and we are going to produce 60,000 cubic metres of water before November 23.”
Meanwhile, the state House of Assembly passed the Water Sector Law in 2021. The law is aimed to improve water in the state and outside the state, which is to serve as economic purposes.
According to the assembly, the water sector law will harmonise the functions of governmental agencies that are in charge of generating water, saying that the community’s involvement would help to maintain water infrastructure.
Speaking earlier, the Commissioner for Water Resources, Felix Nnamani, in his welcome address, said the Enugu State government left no stone unturned in ensuring that the citizens enjoyed potable and clean water.
He also thanked the stakeholders who had played major roles in restoring water in the state.
Evelyn Mere, the country director of WaterAid, said Enugu recognised the crucial role of water, sanitation, and hygiene in the development and well-being of its citizens.
Mere who was represented by Eteta Eta, Programme Monitoring Evaluation and Reporting (PMER), WaterAid Nigeria, said that enacting the Water Sector Law showed that the state has taken a significant step towards the effective management and sustainable use of water resources in the Enugu.
READ ALSO:Mbah Vows To Rid Enugu Of Human Traffickers, Prosecute Offenders, Support Victims
“The dissemination and launch of the Water Sector Law serves as a beacon of hope for the people of Enugu State.
“It signifies the government’s determination to address the challenges faced in the water sector and to provide reliable access to clean water, decent sanitation and good hygiene practices which is a fundamental human right”, Mere said.
Furthermore, the WaterAid expressed hope that once the Water Sector Law is in pace,there will be clear guidelines and regulations governing water allocation, usage, and conservation.
Reviewing the Water Sector Law, Kingsley Udeh, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, noted the law states the rights of water providers and consumers.
Represented by Barrister Chidi Chime, Deputy Director of Legal Drafting, Ministry of Justice, Udeh urged citizens to ensure they were conversant with the laws to know their rights.
He said the bill was passed and signed into law in 2021, which showed that it had been taking effect since 2021.
He said, “This water sector law serves as a beacon of hope for the people of the state, and it signifies the government’s determination to address the challenges faced in the water sector.”