Enugu Launches Landmark Water Project to Connect all City Households

By Abbas Nazil
The Enugu State Government has commenced a landmark initiative, the “Water Last-Mile Connection Project,” aimed at linking every household in Enugu metropolis to the central water supply network.
This large-scale water infrastructure project, announced by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Professor Chidiebere Onyia, signifies a crucial step in the modernization of the state’s aging water infrastructure and the delivery of consistent access to clean, safe, and reliable water for residents.
Executed by the Enugu State Water Corporation, the project involves systematically connecting residential properties across the metropolis to the central water system.
The government emphasized that this initiative is part of a broader strategy to ensure sustainable urban development, enhance public health, and provide essential services to every corner of the city and surrounding communities.
In the official statement released on Friday, the government directed all landlords, caretakers, and tenants in Enugu to grant unhindered access to Water Corporation officials and accredited agents.
The directive aims to facilitate the swift and efficient implementation of the project without resistance or obstruction.
Professor Onyia reiterated that any form of interference would be considered a serious violation of state regulations and would result in enforcement actions.
The state also issued a stern warning to individuals who have built illegal structures on water utility lines or public rights-of-way.
According to the SSG, such developments not only violate existing laws but also impede essential infrastructure works.
Residents affected by these violations are mandated to allow Water Corporation teams full and uninterrupted access to carry out their duties.
Governor Peter Mbah, who assumed office in 2023, had promised to restore regular water supply to Enugu within 180 days of his inauguration—a commitment he successfully fulfilled.
However, the continued use of dilapidated and outdated pipelines has remained a significant challenge in achieving efficient water distribution across the city.
To tackle this, the administration embarked on a phased replacement of aging pipes through the state water board.
Adding to the complexity of water access in Enugu is the city’s geological composition, as the area is built on coal deposits that often contaminate underground water sources.
To mitigate this, the state relies primarily on water sourced from the 9th Mile area in Udi Local Government Area, where reliable extraction and treatment facilities have been established.
The Water Last-Mile Connection Project represents a pivotal advancement in the Mbah administration’s agenda to revamp public utilities and ensure equitable service delivery.
The government has called on all residents to cooperate fully with connection teams and warned that non-compliance would attract sanctions as stipulated by law.
This project is poised to significantly elevate the standard of living for citizens, reaffirming the government’s commitment to infrastructure renewal and public welfare.