By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The Ogbe Oye Market Inland Town, Onitsha, Anambra State, was agog on Thursday, as the market women trooped out en masse to celebrate and commend Governor Chukwuma Soludo for resuscitation and providing them with pipe-borne water after over 20 years they last saw something like that.
The women gave the commendation when the State Commissioner for Power and Water Resources, Engr. Julius Chukwuemeka led a power delegation on an inspection tour to some of the water facilities under the Onitsha Greater Water Scheme, which are currently undergoing resuscitation by Governor Chukwuma Soludo. Some of the facilities inspected, include the Terminal Reservoir Army Barracks, among others.
These facilities also have fetching points scattered all over the Onitsha City and the hinterlands, including the Ogbe Oye Market, Inland Town, where the masses had had lack of potable water as one of their major challenges for many years, until Governor Soludo’s intervention, which has resulted 24/7 water supply at the market, providing one of their greatest needs for them.
Speaking on behalf of the women during the inspection, a trader, Mrs
Uju Onyechi said it was like a magic to them seeing water run at the market after over 20 years they last saw pipe-borne water.
She recounted the various challenges they faced in getting water both for bathing, watching their fruits and other wares, to the extent they were paying N100 per gallon of water fetched for them by water vendors.
“But today, all those challenges are gone, and we now have and use water like never before, all because of one man, Governor Soludo.
“Not only water, even our children now go to school free of charge, from nursery to secondary school; and women now have free antenatal service, free delivery. Everything free; even free water. What else has he not done for the poor? We don’t even know how he does it. In fact, Soludo is a magician.
“Governor Soludo, we are solidly behind you. Even in the next election, it is either you or you. We have no other option. Carry go our Governor. We are solidly behind you, and all our support is for you,” Mrs. Onyechi said.
While also commending the Anambra Ministry of Power and Water Resources and the contractor for their good works, the market women, however, pleaded with the state government to appoint or delegate someone to be taking care of the water facilities to avoid rough handling or vandalization.
Speaking with newsmen shortly after the inspection, the State Commissioner for Power and Water Resources, Engr. Julius Chukwuemeka, expressed satisfaction with the progress so far made, both in resuscitating the moribund Greater Onitsha Water Scheme and its reticulating to the strategic points where it will be accessible to the end-users.
According to him, the resuscitation marked a significant achievement in fulfilling one of Governor Soludo’s promises to the people of Onitsha and Ndị Anambra at large; even as he further highlighted the availability of running water in major parts of Onitsha city and hinterlands as a major milestone in the resuscitation project. He attested that many residents, markets, and households are already utilizing the water for their various daily activities water needs.
Engr. Chukwuemeka, who spoke at one of the households where the water scheme is already operational, emphasized that restoring water supply after over two decades required substantial groundwork and reflected the Governor’s commitment to ensuring sustainable operation of the facilities. He explained that achieving this sustainability involved a comprehensive design that addressed not only the restoration of water but also the long-term operational aspects.
The Commissioner identified two critical factors that were addressed in the process, which include establishing a constant power supply and implementing effective management of the water scheme. While noting that power was one of the major reasons the projects could not see the light of the day under previous administrations in the state, he mentioned that the new system was designed to operate on three power sources, with solar energy as the primary one, aligning with the Governor’s green energy policy. He also explained that solar energy would significantly reduce operational costs and enhance reliability, with EEDC power being used when solar is unavailable, and diesel as a last resort.
Chukwuemeka also discussed the management structure that had been established to oversee the water facilities, emphasizing the appointment of competent Management to ensure maintenance and operation.
Fielding questions from newsmen about the emerging challenges illegal tapping of water and vandalization of some of the facilities, including a newly-constructed fetching point, as were observed in some areas visited; the Commissioner, who condemned such as serious offenses and sabotaging of government’s efforts, further urge the community to play an active role in safeguarding and protecting the facilities to ensure their continued operation.
While lauding Soludo for his massive support to the project, Commissioner Chukwuemeka further commended the collaborative efforts of the government, contractors, and the community in achieving the significant milestone so far reached in the project. He expressed optimism about the transformation occurring in the water sector, not just in Onitsha but throughout Anambra State, further highlighting the necessity of collective efforts to sustain this progress for future generations.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of the Anambra State Urban Water Asset Holdings Corporation (ASUWAHC), Hon. Ikeobi Ejiofor, expressed gladness that residents now have access to running water right at their doorsteps, marking a significant improvement in the water supply across the metropolis. He Ejiofor expressed gratitude to the state governor for his commitment to revitalizing the water sector, emphasizing that this transformation fulfills long-standing promises to the residents.
While emphasized the importance of community engagement in the operation and management of the water scheme, he state that training programs for staff are currently ongoing to ensure effective Management of the facilities delivery. He confirmed that Governor Soludo has activated a great feeling joy among market women, schoolchildren, and other residents of the state as pipe-borne water returns to Anambra State after over two decades. With the water being treated for safety, he asserted that it will play a crucial role in reducing water-borne diseases and improving overall health and sanitation. Ejiofor also assured of the ASUWAHC dedication to managing the water supply effectively, fostering collaboration with stakeholders to ensure and maintain the sustainability and momentum of the essential service.
Earlier speaking, the Managing Director of the contractor handling some of the projects, the Ovaman Pumps Ltd., Chief Kelvin Ifegbuike, while providing insights into the ongoing rehabilitation projects, mentioned that the project aims to establish around 60 fetching points for local residents, with several already operational. According to him, as of October 17, 2024, six out of seven boreholes at the Army Barracks Reservoir and six of seven at the Crash Water Scheme were functional. He also anticipated that the seventh borehole would be operational soon. He further detailed that the company is currently employing the “search and fix” method to address leaks and damages along the aging pipeline infrastructure, which is over 20 years old, to enable water to flow seamlessly to the end-users.
Chief Ifegbuike also stated that the completion of the fetching points is expected within the next two weeks, with 31 currently ready for use. He
further mentioned that following the project’s completion soon, the management of the water scheme will continue for six months to ensure effective monitoring, address any leaks, and manage water distribution to prevent wastage. He joined voice to highlight the need for community involvement in maintaining the facilities, urging residents to report any vandalism or illegal tapping of water, as such actions could disrupt the supply and lead to pressure drops in the system.
In their separate remarks, some villagers and end-users, including 78-year-old retired teacher Mr. John Nwaebube from Umualori and his wife, Mrs. Irene Nwaebube, who have water running in their compound, expressed their gratitude to the Governor for the restoration of pipe-borne water in their community.
Reflecting their previous struggles to access water, they recounted how they would often pay others to fetch for them. They, however, noted that, with the miraculous intervention of the Governor and his massive works in the state’s water sector, they can now easily collect water from their own homes. They expressed disbelief that such a development could occur after years of stagnant water supply, but are thrilled to witness its return again in their lifetime. The couple conveyed their heartfelt appreciation to Governor Chukwuma Soludo for making this possible, while also assuring him of their unwavering support, particularly in the upcoming election. They also fervently prayed for his continued wisdom and success in leadership.
Also present during the inspection were the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Power and Water Resources, Sir Victor Ezekwo; the General Manager of the Anambra State Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Dr. Okey Ezeobi; the Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Projects, Dr. Ebuka Nwankwo; the Director of Water Resources in the State Ministry of Power and Water Resources, Mr. Nwosu Tochukwu; the Councilor for Ward 6, Inland Town Forum, Onitsha North, Local Government Area, Hon. Henry Chukwuemeka; among others.
More photos from the event:
