Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has fulfilled his campaign promise by inaugurating a 120 million litres water supply scheme to address the scarcity of potable water in the state capital. In a ceremony marking the completion, the governor inaugurated 70 million litres of a water scheme in the 9 Mile area, with an additional 50 million litres daily from another water scheme at Oji River.
These projects have the capacity to deliver 120 million litres of water daily to Enugu metropolis and its suburbs, aiming to provide uninterrupted water supply within the first 180 days of his administration, as pledged during his campaign.
Governor Mbah emphasized that addressing the water supply challenge is crucial for achieving his objective of elevating the state’s GDP from $4.4 billion to $30 billion within the next four to eight years.
He expressed the realization that the deplorable status of water supply for almost 20 years led to unreliable and insufficient water access, impacting families and businesses. The governor noted that businesses had to invest heavily in water infrastructure, affecting their growth and attractiveness to investors.
Governor Mbah announced the inauguration of the first phase of the ultra-modern water scheme, providing 70 million litres of potable water daily. He assured the completion of new pumps in the Oji water scheme in a few weeks, adding an additional 50 million litres daily, resulting in a total daily delivery of 120 million litres in Enugu.
The governor highlighted the positive impact on businesses, as they can now connect to public water and pay monthly water rates, a practice common in advanced environments. Families on the water pipeline grid will have access to water in their homes, while those outside the grid can fetch clean water from newly built water galleries.
Governor Mbah advised residents who invested in water tankers to put them up for sale, emphasizing the end of relying on tankers for water supply. He expressed confidence that pipe-borne water is now a permanent feature in Enugu, providing relief to families and businesses.