…As Abakpa residents commend Mbah for restoring the water supply.
The Enugu State Government has raised fresh optimism over the restoration of potable water supply to Emene, Idaw River, Agbani Road axis, and other parts of Enugu metropolis, as the ongoing rehabilitation of water infrastructure intensifies.
The Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, gave this assurance during an inspection visit to Abakpa, following the successful restoration of water supply to the area.
Prof. Onyia, who led the government delivery team alongside engineers of the Enugu State Water Corporation, said the exercise was part of checks to confirm the effectiveness of newly laid high-pressure ductile pipes as well as distribution lines and their integration with existing water networks.
Prof. Onyia explained that the water pipelines supplying Abakpa were among the public utility infrastructure affected by the expansion and dualisation of the Abakpa – Opi Nsukka Road.
He noted that the old asbestos pipes were excavated and replaced with more durable and safer ductile iron pipes, capable of withstanding the pressure from increased water production and transmission.
He reaffirmed that the administration of the Governor of Enugu State, Dr Peter Mbah, remains committed to its promise of restoring sustainable and equitable water supply across all parts of the metropolis.
According to him, the inspection in Abakpa confirmed that water has successfully returned to the axis, with visible flow recorded in multiple locations and residential buildings.
“We started our inspection, our final inspection after the pipes have been laid; the distribution lines and those connecting residential areas. What we have noticed today is that the test of water coming back into Abakpa was successful,” he said.
He, however, explained that some sections recorded high water pressure, resulting in leakages, which have already been documented for immediate technical correction by the Water Corporation team.
“We can see areas where the pressure is so high that pipes are leaking. The Water Corporation is taking notes, and those will be repaired,” he added.
The SSG further said the team conducted physical verification inside residential flats to ensure actual household access to water, noting that in several cases, residents were surprised and excited to see water flowing again from their taps after a prolonged period of scarcity.
“We went into residences to confirm water availability. In some cases, residents didn’t even know water had returned until they opened their taps, and there was jubilation,” he said.
Prof. Onyia stated that similar validation exercises would soon extend to Emene and other parts of the metropolis, adding that stakeholders would be invited to witness live testing of the system as restoration progresses.
He explained that the government’s ongoing water sector reforms include the replacement of old asbestos pipelines with modern ductile iron pipes, expansion of distribution networks, and the systematic restoration of supply to both densely populated and previously underserved communities.
Areas currently in focus, he said, include Emene, Trans-Ekulu, Idaw River, Meniru, and Agbani Road axis, alongside continued stabilisation of supply in Abakpa and surrounding communities.
“What we are trying to do is ensure that densely populated areas are fully restored. We have completed the flushing of lines in some areas, and very soon we will extend operations towards Meniru down to Agbani Road,” he stated.
He further reported progress in parts of Uwani, including Robinson Street, Kenyatta Street, and sections of Zik Avenue, where tap-and-drop connections have already been completed to enable direct household supply.
Prof. Onyia emphasised that the administration operates a strict validation mechanism requiring physical inspection of all reported outputs before official confirmation, in line with the governor’s performance-driven governance model.
“This government has not rested. The water task force set up by His Excellency engages contractors and the Water Corporation to verify claims with evidence. Our job is to validate what is on the ground,” he said.
He added that intermittent shutdowns observed in some areas were part of planned technical interventions to fix bursts and restore optimal pressure across the system.
“When we have major bursts, we shut down lines, fix them, and restore service. That is what you are seeing,” he explained.
Prof. Onyia assured that once ongoing transmission and distribution upgrades are completed, most parts of Enugu metropolis, from Independence Layout through Abakpa to Gariki and Idaw River, will enjoy a sustained and reliable water supply.
He reiterated that the restoration of water remains a priority of the Mbah administration’s infrastructure renewal agenda, anchored on delivering measurable and people-focused outcomes.
Meanwhile, residents of Abakpa have continued to express appreciation to the administration of Governor Mbah for restoring water supply to the area after a long period of scarcity.
Many described the development as a major relief, noting that access to potable water has not only eased daily living but also significantly improved hygiene and overall household wellbeing.
Mrs Gladys Ugwu, a resident of Atani Street, hailed the governor as a leader who keeps his promises, stating that the restoration of water has renewed public confidence in government.
“We have suffered for a long time without water, buying from vendors at high cost. Today, water is running again in our homes. Governor Mbah has shown that he is a promise keeper, and we will continue to support him because we have confidence in his capacity to do a lot more for us,” she said.
