• Assures 60,000 cubic meters of water by end of November

The governor of Enugu state, Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah has assured the provision of 60,000 cubic meters of water in Enugu before the end of November 2023.

Mbah stated this in an event to unveil the Enugu state water sector law.
Secretary to the State Government, Professor Chidiebere Onyia, who represented Gov. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah said provision of the portable water was in fulfillment of his campaign promises adding that it was also aimed at alleviating the plights of residents in the area.
He said “we are not working only on providing water but enough water for the people’s consumption. We will provide 60,000 cubic meters of water before November 23”.

He continued “Enugu state ministry of water resources which was created in 2007 was to provide, supply quality, portable water and sanitation throughout the state and its environs.
It has the responsibility to formulate policies and also to coordinate the agencies under the water corporation’.

Earlier in an address, the commissioner for water resources Enugu state, Dr. Felix Nnamani thank stakeholder in water corporation who have been instrumental to restoration of water in the state.

“I want to thank the Enugu state Ministry of Water Resources for partnering Water Aid and the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF).
Your contributions has really encouraged the state government in ensuring that her citizens enjoy portable, clean and safe water” he said.

The country Director of Water Aid, Ms. Evelyn Mere said that Enugu state realized the importance of water, sanitation and hygiene to the health and development of her citizens.

Represented by the Programme, Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting Officer, Etete Etta, she said “the presence of water sector law would provide clear guidelines and regulations governing water allocation, usage and conservation in the area.

“we sincerely appreciate the governor of Enugu state, Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah for his commitment towards strengthening the water and sanitation sector.
Water Aid will continue to partner the state to deliver its mandate of providing clean and portable water to the populace as well as improving hygiene and sanitation for everyone” End of quote.

The house committee chairman on water resources and member representing Enugu south Rural Constituency in the Enugu State House of Assembly (ENHA) Hon. Obiajulu Ugwu in a speech said that the committee is poised to complement the efforts of Gov. Peter Mbah’s administration to providing portable water to ndi Enugu adding that the law would regulate all the agencies in the sector.
She said “when you talk about law what the people want to hear is interpret and execute. The law provides the right of access to basic water and sanitation and the regulatory framework for water and sanitation among other things. We also recognize the need for community participation and engagement in the implementation of the water law to ensure its success. We urge all stakeholders to work together towards the common goal In the planning and distribution making processes related to water resources.
We therefore call for increased investment in water infrastructures and management to meet the growing demand for water in Enugu”.

Reviewing the water sector law, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Dr. Kinsley Udeh said that the law captured the fundamental rights of both the water providers and consumers.

Udeh, who was represented by the Deputy Director Legal Drafting wants residents to look out for the law so as to ensure optimal compliance.
According to him “the bill was passed into law in 2021. The implication now is that it has started taking effect since 2012. This water sector law serves as a beacon of hope for the people in Enugu state and it signifies government’s determination to address all the challenges faced in the water sector”.

Our correspondent observed that highlights of the event include questions and answers from the participants as well as distribution of the Water Sector Law to those who attended the event at Oakland Event Center Enugu.