By Abbas Nazil
The Ebonyi State government has sharpened its focus on the full rehabilitation of all water schemes across the state in an effort to eradicate cholera and other water-borne diseases.
The State Commissioner for Water Resources, Chief Chinedum Nkah, disclosed this while presenting an overview of his ministry’s achievements, emphasizing that the administration under Governor Francis Nwifuru is determined to provide clean and sustainable water supply to residents.
According to Nkah, the government has already achieved 100 percent rehabilitation of the Eziulo water scheme, which currently supplies water freely to 75 streets in Abakaliki metropolis.
He noted that the objective is to ensure that water reaches every street in the capital city before the end of 2025.
He added that the state government has also provided over 100 boreholes across various communities in all 13 local government areas of Ebonyi State within two years in office.
Nkah criticized the neglect of water infrastructure by previous administrations and praised Governor Nwifuru’s proactive measures, especially the comprehensive work done at the Eziulo water scheme.
He commissioner highlighted that the old Abakaliki water scheme has reached 80 percent completion, and ongoing efforts are being made to revamp the ultra-modern Oferekpe and Ishiagu water schemes to bolster water supply across the state.
The commissioner explained that Ebonyi State has a total of five major water schemes: Eziulo, Oferekpe, old Abakaliki, Ishiagu, and Ukawu.
Of these, Eziulo is fully functional, delivering water directly to the public. Oferekpe, according to him, will soon become operational as rehabilitation work progresses steadily at the site.
The government is also working to address leakages and damages to water pipelines caused by road construction activities in the capital city.
Nkah said that significant repairs are being carried out on these affected pipelines to ensure uninterrupted water distribution.
Nkah emphasized the need for residents to support the government’s water initiatives by cooperating with authorities and maintaining infrastructure.
Although the supply of water from the scheme is currently free, he noted that a small fee is required for new connections to cover data collection and the cost of necessary materials.
He called on citizens to embrace the state’s water development projects and assured that the government’s long-term goal remains the provision of safe, accessible, and sustainable water for all, particularly in urban centers where the need is most pressing.
