The Enugu State Government has launched the Water Last-Mile Connection Project to connect every household in the Enugu metropolis to the central water supply system.
Managed by the Enugu State Water Corporation, the initiative aims to modernize the city’s ageing infrastructure and ensure reliable access to clean water.
Residents are required to grant access to installation teams, with the government warning against any obstruction. The project follows Governor Peter Mbah’s earlier efforts to restore water within 180 days of taking office, though distribution challenges persist due to outdated pipelines and geological issues.
This ambitious effort aims to provide consistent access to clean, safe, and reliable water for residents in the capital and its environs.
Announced on Friday by Professor Chidiebere Onyia, Secretary to the State Government, the project is being spearheaded by the Enugu State Water Corporation. It focuses on systematically connecting residential properties to the central water network, modernizing the state’s outdated water infrastructure in the process.
“All property owners, caretakers, and tenants are required to provide full access to Water Corporation officials and accredited agents to facilitate these connections,” Onyia stated. He stressed the government’s firm stance against illegal structures obstructing public utilities, noting that buildings on water utility lines or public rights-of-way violate state regulations and hinder critical infrastructure work.
Onyia warned that any resistance to the project’s implementation would be considered a serious offense, with enforcement actions to follow. “This project is central to our commitment to delivering reliable water to every home while safeguarding public infrastructure for the collective good,” he added.
The government has called for full cooperation from residents, emphasizing that non-compliance will result in legal consequences. Since taking office in 2023, Governor Peter Mbah has prioritized water access, fulfilling his pledge to restore regular supply to the metropolis within 180 days. However, ageing pipelines have posed ongoing challenges, prompting the administration to replace outdated systems through the state water board.
Enugu’s unique geological challenges, with coal deposits contaminating underground water sources, have led the state to rely on the 9th Mile area in Udi for potable water, supported by advanced extraction and treatment facilities.
The Water Last-Mile Connection Project represents a pivotal step in enhancing public infrastructure and elevating living standards across Enugu, underscoring the government’s dedication to sustainable development.
