Residents of Abakaliki have called on the Ebonyi Government to double its efforts in the ongoing repair works and water pipe reticulation in Abakaliki, the state capital.
The residents made the call in separate interviews with our correspondent on Tuesday in Abakaliki.
They added that timely completion of the repair works would tackle perennial water scarcity often experienced by residents.
According to them, the repair works on major water pipe lines, reticulation and extension of pipelines from the Oferekpe and Ezilo Regional Water schemes to streets and new layouts that currently lack access had disrupted public water services for months in the metropolis.
The residents who who were reacting to government release that work would be completed by the end of 2025 observed that the over three months of lack of public water supply due to the ongoing repair had affected normal live.
They however, expressed confidence that the turnaround maintenance would guarantee regular and uninterrupted water supply when completed.
Mr Dan Elom, a civil servant said that the water problem would be a thing of the past once government completed the repair and reticulation work and urged the Ministry of Water Resources to double efforts.
“The government is changing narratives in the water infrastructure by replacing old and worn-out pipes with modern water pipes in major water lines in the state; this is part of the ongoing efforts to guarantee uninterrupted supply of potable water to residents,” Elom said.
Mr Ignatius Okemini, another resident, thanked the Gov. Francis Nwifuru administration for embarking on revitalising the Oferekpe water scheme abandoned by the former Dave Umahi administration saying that the massive pipe reticulation would guarantee uninterrupted supply.
“Several parts of Abakaliki metropolis and its suburbs have been without public water supply which has forced residents of these affected areas to depend on borehole and other unwholesome sources for their domestic water needs.
“The situation has resulted to untold hardships to many average households who spent huge chunks of their savings on water; hence we are calling on the state government to expedite action on the ongoing repairs on the water schemes,” Okemini said.
Mr Jude Anyigor, a poultry farmer and resident of 12 Ije Avenue said that the situation was affecting lots of businesses especially those that depended on water and called on government to timely fix the problem.
“Water is one of the natural commodities that you cannot substitute with no other and very essential for daily existence and business.
“Greater part of the capital city has been without public water services since the ongoing repair work started; I am appealing to relevant authorities to quicken the work so as to restore normal water supplies,” Anyigor said.
Meanwhile, the state government has disclosed that it was close to completing several major water schemes across the state to boost access to potable water, especially in Abakaliki and its environs.
Mr Chinedum Nkah, Commissioner for Water Resources, in an interview with NAN stated that the Abakaliki and Oferekpe Water Schemes were top priorities due to their potential to serve larger segments of the state.
“I have before now made it clear that before the end of this year, we are going to have enough water for the capital city and its environs,” Nkah said.
He explained that while Oferekpe and Ezillo Water Schemes were operational, the key challenge remained the reticulation and extension of pipelines to streets and new layouts that currently lacked access.
The commissioner revealed that the Ukawu Water Scheme, in Ebonyi South zone was also receiving major attention describing it as a project of critical importance to the Ebonyi South zone.
“The Ukawu Water Scheme is as large as Oferekpe and has the capacity to serve the entire southern region.
However, we are currently focused on completing Abakaliki and Oferekpe to ensure efficient delivery before expanding,” he said.
The commissioner reassured residents of Ebonyi that efforts were being intensified to ensure that pipe-borne water was accessible to all.
“The hope is very high as far as water supply is concerned,” he added. ENDS//
