The Ebonyi State Government has unveiled far-reaching reforms aimed at addressing the acute water scarcity facing residents across the state, particularly as the yuletide season approaches.
The Commissioner for Water Resources, Chinedum Nkah, disclosed this while addressing journalists at the low-lift section of the Old Abakaliki Water Scheme located within the CAS Campus of Ebonyi State University. He said the reforms form part of Governor Francis Nwifuru’s commitment to ensuring sustainable access to potable water for Ebonyi people.
Nkah lamented the extensive vandalism that had crippled the old Abakaliki water facility in the past, noting that vital infrastructure, including block walls and water installations executed during the era of the former Sole Administrator, Jim Nwobodo, were destroyed by hoodlums. He, however, said the state government has made significant progress in restoring the facility.
According to the commissioner, civil works at the old Abakaliki water scheme have been completed, while electro-mechanical installations, including pumping machines and electrical components, are currently underway to enable the delivery of raw water to Juju Hill for treatment and distribution.
He explained that the Nwifuru administration is implementing a three-pronged approach to resolving the water crisis: rehabilitation and construction of water schemes, reticulation of water across communities, and increased production and supply.
Nkah revealed that the Ezillo Water Scheme is operating at full capacity, while the Ufuruekpe Water Scheme has reached about 90 per cent completion, with work ongoing on the main supply line. He added that delays caused by the rainy season around the Speedway Filling Station area are now being addressed.
The commissioner further disclosed that civil works at the Ishiagu Water Scheme have been completed, with electro-mechanical installations scheduled to commence in the first quarter of the next fiscal year.
He said the government has already extended water reticulation to over 70 streets and roads in Abakaliki and surrounding areas, including parts of the Centenary City, with capacity to supply water up to the Governor’s Lodge. Areas such as Camp David Estate are also being connected.
Nkah urged residents whose homes are not yet connected to the public water supply to apply for connection, stressing that improved patronage would help stabilize water distribution across the state.
As part of the reform agenda, the commissioner announced that the state government is finalizing a Water Law to regulate indiscriminate drilling of boreholes across the 13 local government areas. He said the law would also protect residents from exploitation by unregulated borehole drillers and ensure sustainable groundwater management.
According to him, enforcement of the new water law will begin once water supply is stabilized, with full implementation expected in the first quarter of next year.
The commissioner assured residents that the state government remains resolute in delivering safe, reliable, and affordable pipe-borne water to Ebonyi communities, in line with Governor Nwifuru’s development agenda.
