In a significant move to address the water crisis in Enugu State, Governor Peter Mbah has fulfilled his campaign pledge by inaugurating the 9th Mile 24/7 Water Scheme on Saturday.
This groundbreaking project, capable of producing a whopping 70 million litres of water daily, marks a crucial step in enhancing water supply for the people.
Quest Times reports that the official statement signed by Dan Nwomeh, Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Governor, highlighted that the initiative aligns with Governor Mbah’s commitment to restore water to Enugu City within 180 days of his inauguration.
Moreover, the Governor emphasized the deplorable state of water supply, noting the absence of reliable water for nearly two decades in many parts of the state.
Governor Mbah, addressing the urgency of the situation, said, “We identified the provision of water as one of our first targets in the drive to execute our mandate and social contract with citizens of Enugu.”
He underscored the impact on businesses and households, expressing the need to alleviate unnecessary suffering across the state.
To ensure a guaranteed water supply, the Governor invested in a 4.4MW gas-powered plant. Looking ahead, he disclosed plans for additional pumps across the state, aiming to achieve a daily water production capacity of 120 million litres for Enugu urban.
“Happily, for us all, here we are, 180 days from that promise, commissioning this new ultra-modern water scheme with a capacity to deliver to businesses and families in Enugu 70 million litres of potable water daily and this is but the first phase,” Governor Mbah stated.
He further revealed upcoming projects, including new pumps in the Oji water scheme, set to deliver an additional 50 million litres daily, totaling 120 million litres for Enugu.
Mbah urged residents to cooperate in payment for services and protection of facilities, emphasizing that reliable water supply comes at a cost.
He therefore assured citizens that the water would be more affordable than current alternatives, urging responsible use and protection of the vital infrastructure.
In a commitment to addressing water challenges beyond Enugu urban, the Governor announced plans to extend pipe-borne water to areas like Nsukka, Oji, Udi, and many others, while stressing the collective responsibility of residents in safeguarding the infrastructure for the benefit of all.