JUBILATION IN ABAKALIKI AS GOVT RESTORES PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY
REPORTER: AMECHI ODO
Ebonyi State Government says it has restored pipe borne water supply to the capital city of Abakaliki.
The Commissioner for Water Resources in the State, Mr. Chinedu Nkah, told journalists in Abakaliki that the development followed the reactivation of Ezilo Water Scheme, which had been moribund for years.
He pointed out that the Ministry was tackling the issues of blocked water lines and broken pipes affecting reticulation and urged property owners to fix their pipes to reduce wastage.
Mr. Nkah noted that the State government had also embarked on the rehabilitation of Old Abakaliki Water Scheme located at Juju Hill while the reactivation of Oferekpe Water Scheme would take off soon.
The Commissioner said the rural communities were not left out of the water restoration programme as the Ministry had conducted the enumeration of all nonfunctional boreholes in rural communities for rectification.
Meanwhile, some residents of Abakaliki in have heaved a sigh of relief following the return of water supply to some parts of the capital city after many years.
A visit to Goddy Ogbaga Avenue, Mile 50, Old Kpirikpiri and Mile Four axis showed that water ran through public pipes with noticeable leakages in some places.
One of the residents, Mr. Chidiebere Nwoke, said he woke up in the morning to see that water was running out from the tap in his compound and called for its sustenance.
The story was the same at Mile 50 as a resident, Mr.Francis Nwoba, told Radio Nigeria that water rushed through many public pipes in the area.
Another resident of the state, Mr. Okwute Nwite, observed that water supply to Mile Four area got wasted as some public pipes were leaking during the supply time.
The Commissioner for Water Resources, Mr. Chinedu Nkah said the Ministry was aware of leakages and damage to the pipelines and had embarked on maintenance.
He urged property owners to apply for the connection of water pipes to residential homes, noting that efforts were being made to ensure that every part of the state gets water.
EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU
