● Daberechi Ogbodo
…To Establish Disabilities Commission
Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has assured residents that water rates will remain affordable despite the recent $100 million investment agreement signed between the state government and a consortium of Austrian investors. This historic investment is set to revolutionize the state’s water distribution system, ensuring that clean and safe water is delivered to every home in the state capital and its surrounding areas.
Speaking during a town hall meeting in Enugu over the weekend, the governor highlighted the progress his administration had already made in addressing water challenges. He noted that water production had increased from an inconsistent 2 million liters to an impressive 120 million liters per day in just 180 days. Mbah stressed that the Austrian investment would accelerate the government’s efforts to tackle the long-standing issues of reticulation and the replacement of aging asbestos pipes with modern ductile pipes.
PLWD making a case for the setting up of PLWD commission. Photo courtesy of Govt. House press unit
“The only time you truly understand the challenges with these tertiary pipes is when water flows through them after decades. We discovered burst pipes and realized many were still asbestos pipes, which had to be replaced. We’ve achieved 150 percent of our daily production needs, but the focus now is on the last mile – ensuring water reaches every home,” Mbah explained.
He emphasized that the investment was not in the form of loans or grants but a significant foreign direct investment. “These investors will inject $100 million to replace all the tertiary pipes, targeting 1.5 million households initially. Work will commence in January, and they will also meter these homes as part of the process to ensure sustainability,” the governor disclosed.
To address concerns over water affordability, Mbah reassured residents that water production would remain under government control, enabling the administration to sell water to investors at a minimal cost. “Water is a social service, not a profit-driven venture. We’ve implemented safety nets to ensure residents are not overburdened. By keeping production costs low, households will pay approximately 20 percent of what they currently spend sourcing water. Most importantly, they will have access to clean, reliable water,” he promised.
In addition to the improvements in water infrastructure, the governor underscored his administration’s commitment to inclusive development. Mbah announced plans to establish the Enugu State Disabilities Commission by the first quarter of 2025. This, he explained, would address the unique needs of people with disabilities and ensure they are not left behind in the state’s development agenda.
“We’ve already domesticated the Disability Act, resulting in the Enugu State Disabilities Law. This commission will help address the needs of people with disabilities, ensuring no one is left behind. We are committed to making Enugu a state where everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive,” the governor stated.
Stakeholders across the state who spoke to GMTNewsng expressed their support for the governor’s initiatives. A youth representative at the town hall meeting Mr. Bartholomew Ebuka Okoh praised the water project, saying, “Access to clean water will transform the lives of our people and reduce the financial and physical burden of sourcing water. This is a game-changer for communities across Enugu.” He also advocated for greater youth inclusion in governance and called for the establishment of a dedicated Enugu Youth Centre.
front row: Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Enugu State (left) and a cross-section of traditional leaders at the Town Hall, Saturday. Photo by Daberechi Ogbodo.
Leaders of the disabilities community also commended the government’s plans. One advocate remarked, “The establishment of the Disabilities Commission shows true inclusion. For too long, people with disabilities have been marginalized. This initiative gives us hope and a sense of belonging.”
Traditional rulers also weighed in, acknowledging the governor’s visio6n and determination to improve the lives of residents. “This investment in water and the inclusion of marginalized groups reflect a government that is truly for the people. We applaud Governor Mbah for his efforts,” said one of the traditional leaders present at the meeting.
A cross-section of dignitaries at the Town Hall, Saturday. Photo by Daberechi Ogbodo.
Governor Mbah’s inclusive policies reflect his administration’s resolve to prioritize the welfare of all residents while creating sustainable infrastructure for the future. As work on the water project begins in January, the governor has assured the people of Enugu State that the initiative will deliver not only clean water but also economic opportunities through job creation and improved living standards. GMTNewsng
