By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The residents of Ossomala, Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State, have expressed their profound gratitude to Governor Chukwuma Soludo for providing a solar-powered water facility to the community, assuring to pay him back at the ripe of time.
The residents gave the commendation and assurance was during the technical handover of a solar-powered Small Town Water Scheme, built for the community by the Soludo Administration through the State Ministry of Power and Water Resources.
The event, where the completed water project and the necessary documents were officially handed over to the community for use and management, was one of such so far held in different communities across the state, where Governor Soludo has also solved protracted water scarcity problems through the provision of solar-powered boreholes, in addition to the massive reactivation and transformation of the state water scheme that had been moribund for over twenty years.
Speaking on behalf of his people, the President General of Ossomala, Mr. Omebu Obidi, who was visibly elated by the project, commended Governor Soludo for bringing a lasting solution to the water challenges long faced by the community.
“Soludo is indeed a leader who understands the challenges of the masses. He has brought a solution to our water problem; and we are very grateful,” Mr. Obidi stated.
“As far as Ossomala is concerned, his second term bid is a done deal. We must surely pay him back. The forthcoming election is the best time we have to show our appreciation for his kind gesture, and we will surely do so in full measure,” he added.
Earlier speaking during the handover, the State Commissioner for Power and Water Resources, Engr. Julius Chukwuemeka emphasized the need for community ownership and proper management of the project, to ensure its sustainability. He commended the collaborative efforts between the government, the contractor, and the community, which led to the successful execution of the project, adding that the Ministry remains committed to providing essential infrastructure that addresses the critical needs of communities, particularly in the areas of water and power supply, which were the mandate given to them by the Governor.
Commissioner Chukwuemeka, who represented by the Team Leader from the Ministry, covering the Anambra North Senatorial District, Mr. Okechukwu Onyedibe, explained that the project was part of the state government’s broader efforts to solve water scarcity in Anambra, with Ossomala being one of the critical beneficiaries in this phase. He also reiterated the need for the community to take full responsibility for maintaining the facility, urging them to implement necessary measures for the security, care and upkeep of the water infrastructure to avoid vandalism or any such issue.
His words: “Government spent a lot to get this project done for your own benefit; and so you have the duty to protect it well to continue serving you. This project is a Small Town Water, and there are only fifteen of them that are being resuscitated in the state for now, five from each senatorial zone. So, for Ossomala to be among the beneficiaries of this phase out of many other communities in Anambra North Senatorial Zone, you should know what it means and secure the project jealousy.”
Continuing, he explained that the water facility, powered by solar energy, not only meets the current needs of the community but also contributes to environmental sustainability, in line with Governor Soludo’s vision of an eco-friendly and livable homeland. He further assured the community that the state government would continue monitoring the project to ensure optimal performance and also offer support where necessary.
On his own part, the contractor handling the project, Marigreg Nigeria Ltd., represented by Mr. Okwudili Obiefuna, assured the community of the durability of the water facility, noting that it was built to high standards in line with the vision of Governor Soludo’s administration to provide sustainable infrastructure across Anambra State.
Also present during the handover were the project supervisors:— Emeka Obanye, Engr. Francis Udo, and Engr. Francis Achike; as well as some stakeholders of the community, including Hon. Emmanuel Ikéngà, among others.
Signing of the handover note, test-running of the water facility, and the formal presentation of the handover note to the community formed the highlights of the event.
The Small Town Water Scheme at Ossomala, which was designed to be eco-friendly in line with the Governor’s green energy solution, includes a reticulation system covering about 1km, with the last reticulation point located in front of St. Patrick Catholic Church, Ossomala. The hybrid facility also has a standby generator to ensure steady water supply even during the cloudy weather.
This reporter, Izunna Okafor, gathered that the Ossomala water project is part of Governor Soludo’s broader initiative to resuscitate water schemes across the state, aimed at ensuring uninterrupted access to clean, potable water in both urban, semi-urban, and rural areas.
The Governor, according to reports, has so far overseen the rehabilitation and solar conversion of over 64 water facilities across various communities in the state, as part of his drive to the central vision of making Anambra a livable and prosperous homeland.
More photos from the event:
