Time was when they suffered water-borne diseases; then came boreholes, but now residents of Abakiliki, the Ebonyi State capital, can look forward to pipe-borne water, thanks to a gigantic water treatment plant. OGOCHUKWU ANIOKE reports
Ebonyi State’s water supply profile was once horrible. About two decades ago water-borne diseases were rife because potable water was hard to come by. Then some relief came as the state and non-governmental organisations sank boreholes in communities. Still, there was no sight of pipe-borne water. Now, that is a possibility.
How? A water treatment plant, said to be one of the largest in the country, has been built in Oferekpe in Ikwo Local Government Area of the state. If properly managed, the plant could supply clean water to every part of Abakiliki and much of the state.
The plant draws its raw water from a river, which separates Ikwo Local Government of Ebonyi State from Obubra Local Government Area in Cross River State. The giant water scheme has a production capacity of 100,000m³ per day, which translates to 100,000,000litres per day. It is the largest water scheme east of the Niger.
The project was awarded to Gilmor Engineering Limited by the Martin Elechi administration at N7.2billion, with N9.2billion voted for procurement of pipes. The Elechi administration also made arrangements to reticulate the water to all the communities in the state at the cost of N36billion but later made a U-turn because of its cost implications.
It later established its own pipe manufacturing factory for production of pipes for the water reticulation. The pipe factory located close to the permanent site of Ebonyi State University was quickly established while the mega water scheme project was moving at a slow pace.
The project reached an appreciable stage before the end of that administration. The present administration under Dave Umahi continued with it. Last week, the contractor handling the project handed it over to state government amid great celebration by the host community.
In his remarks, Governor Dave Umahi called on the people to protect the amenity. He said government will not replace any government amenity destroyed by host community.
“You have to provide security for this infrastructure. We shall not be called upon at any time to come and replace a vandalised infrastructure in this place. It is something you must hold very well, it is a project that can transform the activities and lives of this area. Therefore, you must preserve it and guard it jealously.
Government in this economic recession does not have the capacity to continue to replace vandalized infrastructure, to continue to replace infrastructure for the host communities that have become careless in securing it.
“This mega water scheme is going to turn around the fortunes of this area. It will increase economic and social conditions of this community. It will also connect this area to the national grid and I want to commend those that initiated this giant project for their thoughtfulness”, Umahi who was represented by his Deputy Dr. Kelechi Igwe stated.
He noted that the completion of the project would help tackle the issue of water scarcity in the State, adding that provision of adequate water for the people of the state would further assist in dealing with infected water-related diseases and ensure the total wellbeing of the people.
He commended the contractor for a job well done and charged the host community to ensure adequate protection of the infrastructure for the benefit of the state.
Earlier, the State Commissioner for Water Resources, Mrs. Euphemia Nwali assured that the water project would close the gap between the demand and delivery for water within the state capital.
“It is indisputable that water is one of the most precious gifts of nature and a basic necessity of life. However, in spite of the abundance of water, accesses to safe drinking water in Ebonyi state remain limited. It is on this note that we graciously salute our Governor’s absolute courage and determination to improve the standard of living of our dear people of Ebonyi state in the area of portable water supply, hence making today’s event a reality.
“This event will afford the Ministry of Water Resources the opportunity to close the yawning gap between water demand and delivery in the Abakaliki Capital City. Permit me to bring to the knowledge of Your Excellency the major challenge facing the Oferekpe Water Treatment Plant. At the moment, the water works is yet to be hooked to the public power supply network and therefore entirely run on power generating plant with its attendant cost implications,” the she said.
She expressed the determination of the present administration towards providing basic amenities to the people of the state.
The people of Oferekpe have expressed happiness at the completion of the water scheme. They said it will assist in alleviating the suffering of the people of the state in the area of portable water supply.
Ifeoma Nweke, one of the residents, recalled how they faced perennial water problems in the area, adding that the water scheme will change their fortunes.
“We only drink or use good water during the rainy season but in dry season like this, life is usually terrible for us. We always suffer before we get water to drink or do things in our homes like bathing, washing of clothes, plates and other domestic activities. But with the completion of the Oferekpe water scheme, we will soon begin to enjoy potable water,” she said.
