ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – The Enugu State government has revealed the efforts of Governor Peter Mbah’s administration to tackling the long-standing issue of access to portable water crisis in the state despite challenges.
However, the harsh reality was that Enugu’s dry, rocky terrain made digging for water a daunting task, one that only few could afford to undertake.
For the poor, accessing this precious resource had become an insurmountable challenge, leaving them to rely on costly alternatives or travel great distances in search of a dwindling supply.
Its residents had struggled with a crippling water scarcity.
Every day, mothers like Nneoma (not real name) trekked for miles to fetch a few gallons of murky water from a dwindling stream.
Children like Chukwuemeka (not real name) missed school to help their families collect dew-dropped buckets from rooftops.
The elderly, like Oga Agu (not real name), relied on the charity of neighbors for a daily cup.
But amidst the struggle, a glimmer of hope emerged. The new administration vowed to tackle the water crisis head-on.
During his campaign, Governor Mbah, who assumed office on May 29, 2023, made a bold promise to the people of Enugu: to ensure access to portable water within 180 days of taking office.
This pledge is a cornerstone of his administration’s economic development strategy, aimed at boosting the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from $4.4 billion to $30 billion within the next four to eight years.
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Following this, Governor Mbah on November 25, 2023, exactly 180 days after he assumed office, inaugurated a multimillion naira newly reconstructed ultramodern water scheme at Ninth Mile Corner, Enugu making residents to celebrate him.
However, despite these efforts, some areas in Enugu metropolis still lack access to portable water due to various challenges, as some residents have expressed worry over their inability to access portable and clean water.
Many still walk miles to fetch water from questionable sources perpetuating issues of hygiene, economic disparity, and gender inequality.
Even though the country is blessed with rivers, lakes and rainfall, only 13 per cent of her citizens have access to clean drinking water, according to UN reports.
Voiceofnaija.ng reported that Nigeria falls woefully short of this benchmark, with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources receiveling only 1.11 per cent of the 2023 budget.
The 2024 fiscal budget took it down a notch by allocating only 1.03 per cent (N296.64bn) of the approved 2024 budget for water resources.
One major issue according to the Enugu State Commissioner for Water Resources, Dr. Felix Nnamani, is the damage caused by the construction of the new bus terminal, which has affected the water pipelines.
Moreover, some residents have vandalized water pipelines and tap heads, disrupting water supply to their neighborhoods.
In an interview with Voiceofnaija.ng, Enugu State Commissioner for Water Resources, Dr. Felix Nnamani, explained that the governor had identified three major water sources – Ajali, Orji, and Night Mile – and had chosen to focus on the Night Mile site due to its proximity and potential.
He said, at Night Mile, there were 12 boreholes, but all were moribund. “They were not functional, the pumps were dead. The governor however, upgraded it, and constructed brand new 16 boreholes along with 8 old ones.
“With this, there are now 24 boreholes now functional at Night Mile Ultramodern Project. It is called 247 water project,” he said.
He added that due to the upgrade of the Night Mile water project, the taps now produce 70 million liters of water daily.
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He noted that the Orji River water project has been rehabilitated, generating an additional 50 million liters of water per day.
“We are committed to ensuring that every household in Enugu State have access to portable water.
“The Night Mile site was previously moribund, but we have upgraded it with 24 boreholes, including 16 new ones, and a 247 water project that generates 70 million liters of water daily,” he said.
Nnamani also lamented the condition of the old pipes inherited by the previous administrations.
“The old pipes are not in good condition, and we are working to change them to ductile pipes that can carry more water.
“This is a huge task, but we are committed to seeing it through,” he explained.
Another challenge facing the government is power supply, according to him, “Some of our water projects are powered by gas generators, which are difficult to maintain.”
Dr. Nnamani said. “We are looking at options like solar power to change the source of power to solar power that can carry the pump.”
The government is also facing challenges with erosion, which has damaged some of the pipelines.
“Erosion has damaged some of our pipelines, and we are working to repair them.
“We are also working to prevent future damage by building erosion control measures.
“The distance and cost of electricity to convey water from Ajali to Enugu is a challenge we are facing, that’s why we are focusing on the Night Mile project, which is closer and more cost-effective,” the commissioner said.
He said the government is also facing challenges with community ownership, saying, “We have observed that some communities are not taking ownership of government water projects in their areas. We urge residents to take ownership of these projects and protect them from vandalism.“
Residents Reaction
Although some parts are yet to experience the new development, some other areas have already begun enjoying the promise Governor Mbah made during his campaign.
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A car dealer in Enugu, Melvix Autos, and a resident of Okwuosa Street by the Ogui Nike area, Ositadinma Emmanuel, commended the governor on the access to portable water so far.
He said, “We don’t experience water scarcity where I am living. The government is doing his work very well on my side. Tap is running where I reside and I am not lacking water. I live within Okwuosa Street by the Ogui Nike area
“In our area where I reside, tap runs very well towards that Okwuosa avenue, of which general pump was installed there.
Also, a realtor and musician who resides at Ogui road, Afam Kelvin, told our correspondent that he is yet to experience the free water from the state government. He lamented that he still buys 500 litres of water for N18, 000.00.
“I don’t think the water galleries as they call it, is working. In fact I have never seen any of them working.
“I live in Ogui road. I don’t think we have water issues here, unlike where I lived before at Independence Layout.
“I used well in my former place. I was staying at Independence Layout. We experienced water scarcity from October to April with peak water scarcity from December to March
“The government of Enugu state should ensure that water is being distributed in every nooks and crannies of the state.
“Enugu state should emulate Saudi Arabia by establishing water filtration plants near rivers and streams scattered in Enugu State to win this war against water scarcity in Enugu State.”
Also, a civil engineer and a businessman, Eziogu Innocent, commended the governor on his efforts to ensure Enugu residents have access to portable water in the state.
According to him, he used to buy a tank of 700 gallons of water for N15,000. 00, but with the water galleries around his area, he doesn’t buy water anymore.
He said, “Before, I buy a tank of 700 gallons of water for N15,000. The water project in Enugu is a welcomed development and of great benefit. “The one at Edinburgh road by Obiagu has drawn people out of their homes. Most people who do not have access to good water now come and fetch it for free. Some people even come with their cars to fetch water.
“At first I was displeased and against it because I felt it was a way for the government of the day to syphon money, but the water project has been of great importance to the users more than expected.
“Cleanliness they say is next to godliness. I believe the water project will reduce the risk of cholera outbreak in Enugu.”
2030 SDGs
Recall that the World Bank estimated Nigeria to quadruple its domestic public expenditure on water by 2030 to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 6.
The internationally recommended benchmark for government funding of water is 15-20 per cent of total public expenditure and 4-6 per cent of GDP.
When asked about the administration commitment to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Goal 6, the commissioner assured that the government’s efforts are in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which he said aims to ensure universal access to safe and affordable drinking water by 2030.
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He also explained that the government is working tirelessly to achieve this goal saying with the support of their development partners, it is possible that Enugu State will become a model for other states in Nigeria.
The government he said, is working to address these challenges and ensure that all areas in Enugu metropolis have access to portable water.
He added that contracts have been approved to extend water pipelines to new estates and developments, and efforts are being made to change old pipes to ductile pipes that can carry more water.
Nnamani emphasized that the government is committed to ensuring that every citizen has access to portable water, in line with the SDGs.
He also noted that the government is working with development partners, such as UNICEF and the World Bank, to establish village-level maintenance and operation schemes to ensure the sustainability of water projects.
“The government is doing everything possible to ensure that Enugu people have water. We are working tirelessly to change the old pipes to ductile pipes, and we are also extending water pipelines to new areas,” Nnamani said.
“We are committed to ensuring that every citizen has access to portable water, and we are working with development partners to achieve this goal. We urge residents to take ownership of government water projects in their communities and protect them from vandalism,” he added.
Concluding he said the Enugu State government’s efforts to provide portable water to residents are commendable.
“Despite the challenges facing the government, it remains committed to ensuring that every citizen has access to portable water.
“With the support of development partners and the cooperation of residents, Enugu State is on the path to achieving universal access to safe and affordable drinking water,” he noted.