ENUGU RESIDENTS COMMEND ARMY FOR WATER INTERVENTION PROJECT
The Nigerian Army, 82 Division recently inaugurated an over two hundred million naira water plant at its Abakpa Cantonment Enugu.
Radio Nigeria takes a look at the impact of the water treatment plant with a capacity of over one million litres on residents within and outside the military cantonment. Water is considered by all as a very essential amenity to sustain life. The usefulness of water in the execution of daily household chores maintaining personal hygiene and healthy environment, is not debatable.
For instance water is significant for cooking, washing, bathing quenching of thirst, building and keeping the conveniences clean among other uses. People living in different parts of Enugu metropolis no doubt have suffered and complained over time about lack of water while many have also spent huge sums of money to get regular supply sometimes questionable. This explains why security of water in any society is seen as a threat to human existence.
Expectedly, the better days are here for residents of the Abakpa Cantonment, 82 Division, Nigerian Army Enugu as far as portable water supply is concerned and the achievement by the military in building and inaugurating water treatment plant of a high capacity will for long continued to attract commendation. Speaking on the occasion, the Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General TukurBuratai felt the same way and reiterated that the epoch making event was not just a dream come true but a good step towards providing succour to both military personnel and civilians within and outside the environment.
“We assure you that the Nigerian Army Engineers are capable of replicating this at even lower cost for the good people of Enugu State and others. General Buratai however noted that the development could not have been possible without the encouragement of President Mohammed Buhari and Governor IfeanyiUgwuanyi of Enugu State. Governor Ugwuanyi explained that his administration would not relent in efforts to make water available.
“We also hope to identify areas of cooperation and collaboration.”
Governor RochasOkorocha of Imo State has given out one million naira each to three hundred and five youths in the State to enhance their businesses or start up a new one. The Enugu State Commissioner for Water Resources, Chief Charles Egwumgbe outlined some of the efforts by the government to provide water.
“We are now queuing into the 3rd National Urban Water facility from AFD towards assessing 50 million dollars. Our objective is not only water to run in the GRA but people living in Emene, Abakpa, Garriki, Awkunanaw so that if the smaller people get water, we can now beat our chest.”
Earlier the General Officer commanding 82 Division, Nigerian Army Enugu, Major General AdamuAbubarkar, explained the driving force behind the execution of the multi million naira project.
“I personally experienced the plight of officers and men of the division in the area of water supply.”
The Army Engineer, in charge of the project, Major Paul Green explained that the primary source of the water is the Ekulu River. The wife of the G.O.C Mrs. HawaAdamu Abubakar and some young residents say that this project will positively impact on the living condition of the residents.
“My women run helter-skelter to get water from unknown sources. You can’t keep a woman at home and no water.”
“We do go outside to fetch water and also we do have tankers who come here to charge us on the higher prices.”
“Formerly, we do go to a very far place to get water, now we have seen sufficient water.”
Reacting to the development in an interview, the Zonal Director FRCN Enugu, Mr. Ike Okere, represented by the Deputy Director Administration, Mr. Sam Anyanwu, described the project as people oriented.
“People living in the barracks are now going to access portable water.”
Those interviewed expressed the hope that government at different levels, corporate organizations and good spirited individuals would replicate similar gesture in urban and rural area.
EMMA NWEKE.