By Victor Nwegede
Governor Francis Nwifuru-led government has reactivated a multi billion Naira water scheme located in Ikwo local government area of Ebonyi state.
The Oferekpe Water Scheme which was constructed by former Governor Martin Elechi of Ebonyi State, began operation seven years it was completed but not put to use.
But the water scheme and the pipe production company were vandalized and looted by criminals during the last administration of David Umahi who is now the Minister of Works.
Governor Francis Nwifuru revived the company and the water scheme after procuring the equipment that were looted.
While the pipe production company has commenced operation, producing different pipes, the Oferekpe water scheme has started skeletal operation, getting ready for full services in the state.
The Manager of the water scheme, Eric Alobu said the water that is currently being pumped in the water scheme, is coming from the the river connected to the water scheme.
He explained that the water scheme has processed one of the best waters so far.
"The last time this water treatment plant worked, was in 2018 when it was completed . Today, we are starting operation, it's been a down time. Before now, there was a problem, the problem is that the chemical outline there was not working and it is part of what this very intervention has captured.
"Why it is as if we are not treating the water as it supposed to be is that we are just filing the lines and washing the system," he said.
He assured that the plant will be lifting water to Abakaliki, the state capital all year round.
While conducting journalists round the water scheme, the Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Engr Jude Okpor said the present administration in the state has committed over N200million in the reactivation of the water scheme.
He opined that even when the water scheme was completed in 2018, it was never put to use untill the present administration in the state reactivated it after it was vandalized.
He disclosed that almost all the automation in the scheme were vandalized and looted, but averred that the water scheme will soon start supplying water to the state capital.
