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Tag: Enugu State

  • Sequence of Election Unconstitutional, In Bad Faith – Group

    Sequence of Election Unconstitutional, In Bad Faith – Group

    Buhari Support Organization (BSO), Enugu State Chapter has condemned in its entirety the “unconstitutional amendment of Section 25 of the 2010 Electoral Act;” by both the Senate and House of Representatives.

    The group said the amendment no doubt infringes upon the constitutional powers vested on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), by the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.

    “We view the amendment as one done in bad faith; hence erosion of INEC powers an electoral umpire which had already issued sequence and order of 2019 general elections – National Assembly/President, and State Assembly/Governor elections.

    Therefore, we are at a loss and yet to locate the economic, patriotic or any valid reason for infringing on the Constitution which in the Third Schedule, expressly bestows INEC with the powers to: – organize, undertake and supervise all elections to the offices of the President and Vice President, the Governor and Deputy Governor, and to the membership of the Senate, the House of Representatives and the House of Assembly of each State of the Federation.

    Read Also: ‘Unconstitutional  restructuring can tear Nigeria apart’

    The fact and the law is that sequence of elections is an integral component of organization and supervision of elections, which are the primary functions of INEC. This is why since 1960, neither the 1960 parliament, the 2nd Republic nor the 3rd Republic National Assembly had ever inserted the sequence of elections in our Electoral Act. We stand to be contradicted”, the group argued.

    The group commended the Senators and House Members who opposed the unconstitutional act, especially the only APC Senator from the South East, Distinguished Senator Benjamin Uwajumogu.

    The BSO maintained: “It’s our considered view that obstacles or booby traps should not be planted to  block President Muhammadu Buhari from firming the solid foundation he is laying in the provision of critical infrastructure – RAILS, ROADS, AGRO & POWER (RRAP) projects.

    Accordingly, we call on Mr President to veto the Bill and Distinguished Senators and House Members to support the veto. For if there were valid or altruistic reasons behind the unnecessary tampering with the sequence published by INEC, the National Assembly should have truly posited bottom-top model that of – the House of Assembly, the Governorship, the National Assembly and last the Presidential”.

  • Enugu spends N40bn on road construction in two years

    Enugu spends N40bn on road construction in two years

    The Enugu State Commissioner for Works, Mr Greg Nnaji, says  the state government has spent over N40 billion on road construction in the last two years.

    Nnaji said this in Enugu on Wednesday while briefing newsmen on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting.

    He said that part of the money was invested on the construction and rehabilitation of over 240 kilometres of roads across the state.

    The commissioner said some federal roads were also  among the roads rehabilitated by the state government.

    He said the state government tarred some roads in rural communities as well as areas that had never had  asphalt  roads.

    The council, he said,  also approved some landmark projects which would take off immediately with a view to completing them within the remaining construction window of the year.

    Nnaji cited  the construction of the Ogologoeji Ndiuno – Akpugo Road awarded at the cost of N292.6 million as one of the latest projects awarded for construction.

    “I do not think the people of the area have seen an asphalt  road before,  especially children that were born 20 years ago.

    “Also, Ituku as a community has never had a road until the ongoing project we are executing. Now, the council has considered extending that particular road further.

    “Therefore, we got an approval for the extension of the Ituku Road construction project for N366. 7 million,” he said.

    The commissioner said that the state government also awarded the construction of Eha- Amufu – Nkalagu Road in Isiuzo Local Government Area of the state.

    Nnaji said that the federal road, which covered  8.8km on the Enugu State axis, had been in a state of disrepair   for over 25 years.

    “The council approved the rehabilitation of the road to suitably qualified contractors to ensure that it is done within the weather window available this year,” he said.

    The commissioner further said that a  bridge contract in Amechi Uno  which began in 2017 but had  some challenges,   had now been re-awarded to reputable professionals.

    “We have now awarded the contract to the 44 Brigade Engineers of the Nigerian Army  whose engineering skills in the construction of Bailey Bridges have been tested.

    “The 42-metre bridge is to be delivered within the next three months due to the imminent rainy season,” Nnaji said.

    NAN

  • Enugu increases NYSC members’ allowance

    Enugu increases NYSC members’ allowance

    Enugu State Government has announced increase in the allowance for National Youth Service Corps ( NYSC ) members serving in primary healthcare facilities in rural areas in the state.

    The Commissioner for Information, Mr Ogbuagu Anikwe, announced this in Enugu on Wednesday while briefing newsmen on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting.

    Anikwe said that medical doctors serving in hospitals in rural areas would henceforth receive N30, 000 monthly from the state government as against N3, 800 being given to them currently.

    Similarly, he said, pharmacists, nurses, radiographers, laboratory scientists and statisticians would receive a monthly stipend of N20, 000.

    He announced that the government also planned to review the service condition and welfare of other set of corps members in the state.

    The commissioner explained that the increase in allowances of the corps members serving in health facilities was to further ensure that health services were taken close to rural dwellers.

    “The government has approved that each corps member selected to work as a medical doctor in government hospital in the rural areas will get a monthly stipend of N30, 000.

    “All of these will cost the government extra N31.2 million per annum but it is an expense that is worth it. It is to ensure that health facilities are available at the door steps of our people,” he said.

    Anikwe said that the government noted the challenges of getting medical personnel to work health facilities in rural communities and decided on the incentive.

    According to him, the council decided that one sure way to solve the problem is to get health personnel from the NYSC who will be encouraged with an increased stipend.

    The commissioner said that the state government had invested much in rural communities and would want such facilities to have direct impact on the inhabitants.

    “Before now, Enugu had a peculiar problem because the state was paying a certain amount as allowance and it led to an influx of youth corps members from all over the country, wanting to serve here.

    “It then became impossible for the state government to continue to sustain that stipend because we are not out of the woods yet.

    “So, we are not unmindful of what to do for corps members but everything we are doing, we check our purse.

    “I am sure that as the finances of the state government improves, we will come to a point where everybody is given an allowance that enables them cope with the condition of life in the country,” he said.

    Anikwe said that the government was first looking at very critical sectors, adding that others would follow soon.

    He said that the governor, Mr Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, was passionate about making residents of the state competitive and healthy “and that is why his economic blueprint traversed the entire state”.

    Also, Commissioner for Works, Mr Greg Nnaji, said that the state government had approved the renovation and upgrade of eight district hospitals across the state.

    Nnaji said that the gesture was to reduce the pressure on secondary health facilities in the state and to ensure that residents did not have to travel to the state capital for medical attention.

    He said that such hospitals and clinics would now wear new looks while modern health equipment would be installed in them.

    All youth corps members posted to rural communities of the state are paid monthly stipend of N3, 800 each.

    NAN

  • TV advertisement market to generate $400m revenue – FG

    TV advertisement market to generate $400m revenue – FG

    The Federal Government said on Monday that it would catalyse the Nigerian TV advertisement market to generate additional 200 million dollars to 400 million dollars revenue to the industry.

    The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed said this at the launch of the Digital Switch Over (DSO) in Enugu.

    The switch over from analogue to digital terrestrial broadcasting was performed by Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State and the minister.

    Mohammed said that the feat could be easily achieved by bringing the nation’s TV advertisement market in line with global​ ​best practice.

    He disclosed that his ministry would establish Task Team of​ ​industry experts, with best practices related to Audience Measurement​ ​Systems.

    According to the minister, Audience Measurement​ ​Systems is key to DSO sustainability, growth in TV and value creation in the creative industry.

    ​He said the Task Force to be established would, therefore, identify best practice Audience Measurement System to support the sustainable growth of the industry.

    According to him, this will also recommend framework for supporting the sustainability of the​ ​Audience Measurement System, independent of the Federal Government.

    The Task Force, according to the minister, will recommend a payment and disbursement framework among the key
    stakeholders in the industry.

    “The existing model of TV in the country, stunts quality of the content that can be created and limits the capacity of Television platforms to invest in.

    “As it is now, the value of Nigeria’s Broadcasting Advertising Market is not proportionate with its ​population when compared to the Top 3 Markets in Sub-Saharan​ ​Africa region.

    “Despite having a population more than three times that of South​ ​Africa, Nigeria’s Television Advertising Revenue in 2016, at 309 million dollars, was 76 per cent behind that of South Africa.

    “Similarly, in the Radio sector, the value of Nigeria’s 2016 Advertising Revenue of 81 million dollars was 75 per cent behind its peers,​ ​South Africa and Kenya, both at 343 million dollars.

    “In both​ ​territories, the value and growth rate of the Broadcasting Advertising​ ​Revenue is largely influenced by the availability of a scientific​ ​Audience Measurement System,’’ he said.

    The minister solicited the cooperation of all​ ​well-meaning practitioners of the industry to join hands with the government to achieve it.

    He also underscored the commitment of the government to rapidly spread​ ​the massive benefits of digital television to the people.

    “We are now at the cruise level of the journey we started in Jos,​ ​Plateau State in April 2016, as the DSO train has now transverse​ ​Abuja, Ilorin, Kaduna, to arrive here in Enugu, its latest stop.

    “From​ ​here, the DSO train will proceed to Osun State, as we continue our​ ​rapid rollout of digital television across the country,’’ he said.

    NAN reports that the minister also donated 100 Set-Top Boxes to the state government for free distribution to the people.

    Gov. Ugwuanyi said that the journey to DSO was not an easy ride and thanked the Federal Government and in particular the minister for his doggedness and commitment to the project.

    He said the state would distribute 10,000 free Set-Top Boxes to low-income earners in its 475 autonomous communities.

    The Director-General, National Broadcasting Commission, Modibbo Kawu said that DSO would enhance broadcasting chain, deliver crystal clear TV signals and offer wide job opportunities in the sector.

    NAN

  • Digitization: Gov Ugwuanyi offers free 10,000 setup boxes

    Digitization: Gov Ugwuanyi offers free 10,000 setup boxes

    Gov Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has offered to distribute 10,000 setup boxes valued N15 million free to low income households in rural areas to enable them access digital television.

    Ugwuanyi made the disclosure in Enugu on Monday at the launch of Digital Switchover in the state by the Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed.

    The governor described the launch as a ‘landmark’ in television broadcasting in Nigeria.

    He said that the gesture was to ensure that low income households were not denied opportunities of accessing digital television contents.

    Ugwuanyi said that the setup boxes which were the major accessory that would, henceforth, enable television viewers in the state watch more channels would be distributed immediately.

    The governor said that the state government was fully conscious of the possible discomfort economically challenged families would face as a result of disruption in accessing free to air television contents.

    “This, in our judgment, is the major reason the Federal Government has committed to subsidise 10 million setup boxes for distribution to poor households in Nigeria,” he said.

    Ugwuanyi said that Enugu had the distinction of being the first state in Southern Nigeria to be switched on to the digital terrestrial television broadcast.

    “As a government, we have intervened on behalf of our people by purchasing 10,000 setup boxes which will be distributed free to low income households identified in our rural areas.

    “Our goal is to enable less economically endowed families to continue to receive even more television channels after this ceremony.

    “The boxes will be distributed after this ceremony in such a manner that it will reach all the 475 autonomous communities in the state,” he said.

    The governor said that local government councils would also cease the opportunity offered by the process to increase the internally generated revenue.

    Ugwuanyi thanked the Information Minister for donating 100 setup boxes to the state government, adding that the boxes would in turn be distributed to security agencies in the state.

    He said that it was gratifying to bid farewell to analogue broadcasting in the state.

    “This underscores the pragmatism the government and leadership of the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission ( NBC ) have brought to bear in broadcasting industry,” Ugwuanyi said.

    Earlier, the Director General of the NBC, Mr Is’haq Kawu said that the digital switchover would enhance the broadcast value chain and open up jobs for Nigerians.

    Kawu said that the switchover would afford television viewers watch new generation of Nigerian contents.

    The DG said that it would also address poor reception of television signals especially in rural areas.

    The highlight of the event was the official switchover from analogue to digital television broadcasting at the Nigerian Television Authority ( NTA ) in Enugu by Ugwuanyi in company of the minister and NBC DG.

    Nigeria as a member of International Telecommunication Union ( ITU ) had in 2006 signed the agreement for member states to switch over from analogue to digital broadcasting.

    NAN

  • Lassa fever: Enugu trains health workers on use of kits

    Lassa fever: Enugu trains health workers on use of kits

    The Enugu State Ministry of Health trained over 100 health workers on  proper use of Lassa fever kits as part of the state’s preventive measures.

    A total of 15 cases of the disease had been confirmed by Nigeria Centre for Disease Control ( NCDC ) through Federal Government laboratory in Benin: Edo, while the disease claimed four lives.

    The four deaths, which included health workers, were recorded in Ebonyi (3) and Kogi (1).

    Declaring the training open on Thursday at Enugu State University Teaching Hospital ( ESUTH ), the state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr Finta Ekochin, said it was to teach health workers on ideal way to use Lassa fever kits.

    Ekochin said the state government bought some of the kits, while some donor agencies also donated some to the state.

    He noted that having pre-requisite knowledge and what to watch out for about the disease were highly necessary for the state and its health workers.

    The commissioner stressed the need for the state government to take proactive measures to stem the spread of the disease, noting that “apart from display and learning how to put on the Lassa fever kits, health practitioners would undertake refresher course on case definition and symptoms.

    “Also, the ideal process of contact tracing for people that come into contact with any person confirmed to have the disease.

    “The method of information gathering on health and channel of reporting a suspected case to superior health authorities within the state with dispatch.”

    In a lecture entitled; “Epidemiology of Lassa fever’’, Dr Mariam Ajuba of Community Medicine Department, ESUTH, enumerated the various means of contacting the disease and its causes.

    Ajuba advised that morticians must be cautious on how they handle corpses, especially those of suspected Lassa fever victims.

    She said “don’t take anything for granted; always wear your health gears and if you sense or feel that a corpse cannot be easily defined, make sure you put on your kits immediately.

    “Since health workers are the first major contact; always read and re-read your symptoms and case definition manual if possible daily so that nothing takes you unaware.

    “Then, report promptly to the hospital boss, who would report to Disease Surveillance Department of Ministry of Health.

    A participant, Dr Chinemerem Onwuliri, Senior Registrar, Department of Community Medicine, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital ( UNTH ), Ituku/Ozalla, said the workshop was educative.

    Onwuliri said health workers had learnt and practiced the triaging, screening, isolation and notification process for Lassa fever.

    NAN

  • Commissioner bemoans beggars’ attitude

    Commissioner bemoans beggars’ attitude

    Enugu State Commissioner for Gender Affairs and Social Welfare Mrs. Peace Nnaji has decried those who have turned begging into business.

    She told News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu yesterday that most beggars were not doing so out of destitution.

    “Those we call beggars are not really beggars, they are professional beggars,” Nnaji stressed.

    She said government’s efforts to rehabilitate beggars at a designated centre had been thwarted by those she described as ‘professional beggars’.

    According to her, the ‘professional beggars’ will always force their way out of the centre to the streets by breaking down doors and windows.

    Nnaji said about one per cent of street beggars were destitute, while 99 per cent were ‘professional beggars’.

    She noted that the ‘professional beggars’ engaged the services of a few  beggars to make returns to them.

    Nnaji added: “The ‘professional beggars’ hire real beggars to be their guide for a day and after using them to make money, they will give them a little percentage and go home with the rest of the proceeds.

    “Some of the ‘professional beggars’ hire children of indigent families and at the end of the day, they pay the parents.

    “The ‘professional beggars’ are able-bodied men and women.

    “They break our rehabilitation centre’s fence and jump the wall to return to the streets the next morning.

    “We do not have problem with the mentally- challenged people because if you keep them inside the rehabilitation centre, they will remain there, but those ‘professional beggars’ will run back to the streets.”

    She attributed the attitude of ‘professional beggars’ to the degree of patronage they receive from the society because, according to her, “some people give bundles of money to them as alms.”

    Nnaji said daily returns of the so-called ‘professional beggars’ from begging were higher than legitimate earnings of some employed graduates per month.

    She urged the public to desist from giving them money, to dissuade people from the practice.

  • Enugu: Ugwuanyi’s leadership strength and 2019

    Enugu: Ugwuanyi’s leadership strength and 2019

    THE recent endorsement of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State for a second term in office by the Prelate of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, His Eminence, Dr. Samuel ’Emeka Kanu Uche, was quite weighty and inspiring.

    The supreme head of the Methodist Church in the country, while delivering a sermon at the thanksgiving service for the family of the former President of the Senate and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ken Nnamani, in his country home, Amechi Uwani, Enugu South L.G.A, which was attended by Ugwuanyi, among others, declared that the governor’s re-election in 2019 was sacrosanct.

    He said the governor deserves a second term because of his outstanding performance and judicious utilization of the lean resources of the state to impact positively on the lives of the people.

    The Prelate warned that any governor or politician who wants to be re-elected in 2019 “must perform” as “that is the best campaign; to give the people the dividends of democracy”.

    “I welcome Gburugburu, the performing governor of Enugu State. This man is using the resources given to him very well to develop the state,” he said.

    This endorsement did not come to many as a surprise, especially the people of Enugu State who are at home with the good works of the governor and his strength of leadership which have impacted positively on their lives.

    As a result, the avalanche of goodwill enjoyed by the governor from all spheres of the society has remained unbeatable in the annals of the state.

    It would be recalled that Ugwuanyi enjoyed similar goodwill during the 2015 governorship contest, following his unique demeanor.

    What is more inspiring is the fact that this is the first time in the history of Enugu State, where a governor, in less than two and half years in office, would receive the gale of spontaneous commendations and uninfluenced endorsements for re-election from both political leaders, revered and other social institutions. Kudos must, therefore, go to the people’s governor for spearheading an inclusive and result-oriented leadership that has brought to the fore a peaceful, progressive and united Enugu State of the founding fathers’ dreams.

    Undoubtedly, Ugwuanyi’s passion and disposition to peace, good governance and the well-being of the masses, especially the lowly in the society, in spite of the nation’s daunting economic challenges and political differences, have endeared him to the people. He receives support and accolade from political leaders in the state, irrespective of their political affiliations, and so has forged a common force for the development of the state.

    For example, the National Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South East region, Hon. Emma Eneukwu, speaking at the reception organised by Enugu State Government for a staunch member of APC in the state who was appointed the Nigerian Ambassador to Republic of India, Major Gen. Chris Eze (retd), said “Gov. Ugwuanyi has created a peaceful atmosphere that has made it possible for everybody to be one when it comes to issues concerning the state”.

    Similar public applaud had been made by other chieftains of the APC, such as Senator Ken Nnamani, Senator Jim Nwobodo and the Director-General of Voice of Nigeria, Mr. Osita Okechukwu.

    This explains better why Ugwuanyi’s re-election has been receiving chains of endorsements from virtually all spheres of the society, including the religious institution.

    First to endorse him were the Traders who shut all the markets in the state and mobilized massively at the popular Michael Okpara Square, Enugu for a solidarity rally in support of his re-election in 2019. The Anglican Communion, through the Archbishop of Enugu Ecclesiastical Province, Most Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Chukwuma has equally given his endorsement to Ugwunayi’s re-election come 2019. Also, Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka, the Spiritual Director of Adoration Ministry Enugu Nigeria (AMEN), described the governor as a Godly leader, who has brought peace to the Ministry in particular and the state in general, declaring that he deserves a second term in office.

    Workers of the state under the auspices of Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), during a one-day symposium also passed a vote of confidence in the governor for “his administration’s giant strides in just two years in office” and asked him to “carry go in 2019”. Recently, teachers in the state, totaling over 21,000, staged a mass solidarity rally for the governor in appreciation of his good works in the state and the remarkable achievements in the education sector and declared their firm support for him in 2019.

    Just a few days ago, tricycle operators in the state, under the auspices of Association of Tricycle Riders Transport Union also unanimously adopted Ugwuanyi as their gubernatorial candidate for the 2019 election in the state. The state chapter of Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC), also recently applauded Ugwuanyi for his effective leadership, which it said in a statement by its state chairman and secretary, Barr John Nwobodo and Mr. Ken Onyekaonwu, has engendered peace and good governance in the state.

    It would also be recalled that members of the Senate Committee on State and Local Government Administration, led by its Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Gumel, had while in Enugu on an oversight function on the utilization of bailout funds released to states by the Federal Government, rated Ugwuanyi as the best governor in the country in the utilization of the funds.

    All these explain the people’s interest in and verdict on the governor’s re-election in 2019.

    • Amoke wrote in from Enugu.
  • Cattle colonies not practicable in South-East – Miyetti Allah

    Cattle colonies not practicable in South-East – Miyetti Allah

    The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria ( MACBAN ) said yesterday there was no need to set up cattle colonies in the Southeast geopolitical zone.

    The Chairman of MACBAN in Anambra State, Alhaji Sadiq Gidado, told reporters in Awka,the state capital that the establishment of cattle colonies in the area was not necessary because of the harmonious relationship existing between members of the association and the residents.

    He, however, underscored the need to strengthen the mutual understanding and synergy between MACBAN and the people in the zone.

    Gidado bemoaned the incessant farmer-herdsman clashes in some parts of the country, saying that the two parties were coexisting peacefully in the South East zone.

    He said:“Cattle breeding in Anambra is different from what obtains in other states; here in Anambra; we are working in synergy with the security operatives, the indigenes and the state government through the Cattle Menace Control Committee.

    “To me, anti-open grazing bill, cattle colonies and ranches are just political creations; these concepts are created by politicians to bring disharmony between farmers and herdsmen.

    “In the Southeast, the proposed cattle colonies cannot work; you cannot just take somebody’s land and give to another person to conduct his own business; it is not right.

    “Here in the zone, it is virtually impossible to operate cattle colonies, as there is harmonious relationship existing between the herdsmen and the farmers.

    “The cattle colonies they are talking about are already existing in the North.”

    Gidado, who is a member of the Cattle Menace Control Committee, commended the governors of the Southeast states for being proactive by setting up the committee which had ensured peace.

    He blamed some frictions recorded in the region on migrant cattle breeders, who were not members of MACBAN in the zone, saying that the association had put in place some measures to forestall future incidents.

    “We thank the governors of the South-East states, especially the Anambra and Enugu state governors, who constituted these committees that are coordinating our activities.

    “The regulation is that you only graze where there are no farms.

     If you destroy farmlands intentionally or unintentionally, you must be punished for what you have done and be made to pay for what you have destroyed.

    “And if the people in the communities kill a Fulani man or his cow, you pay damages accordingly; we have a good structure that enables the effective management of our members,” Gidado said.

  • Enugu tackles water scarcity

    Enugu tackles water scarcity

    Besides massive roads reconstruction and other infrastructural projects, one particular giant stride of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State is provision of water. The problem of water supply to Enugu metropolis had become as old as the city itself. Sources of water abound in the state. But the problem has been distribution. There are the World Bank-assisted water project at Oji-River built and completed and the Ajalli Water Reservoir. But the snag is how to distribute the available water.

    The water pipes laid by the colonial masters in 1920’s have all rusted and weakened. Successive administrations were not interested in replacing them, ostensibly due to the enormous funds involved. And every now and then, the old pipes burst. The situation became taxing for workers at the water corporation. Instead, the government would embark on replacement of the pipes, they rather prefer mending them, hence problem of water persisted in Enugu.

    But Governor Ugwuanyi had a different view. For him, water is, unarguably, one of the most important basic needs of man. All through history, the success or otherwise of governments in all climes have been measured and predicated on how well they have been able to provide basic needs of the people, especially water.

    Before his administration came on board, water supply in Enugu State was the worst problem long declared to be intractable by preceding administrations.

    But that era has since become history with the breakthroughs recorded by the Ugwuanyi administration in the areas of regular water generation and distribution in both the urban and rural areas.

    The most significant and conspicuous of these achievements, however, is the government’s successes in the area of urban water supply.

    Recently, the government announced its plans to ensure adequate uninterrupted water supply in Enugu metropolis and Nsukka to meet up with increasing demand.

    The Commissioner for Water Resources, Dr. Charles Egumgbe told reporters that the state government was targeting 40,000 cubic meters of water supply by the end of the year to ensure that the people enjoy adequate supply.

    Egumgbe noted that the last executive meeting was “specifically” devoted to issues of water, especially on how to make it available for the people of Enugu metropolis and Nsukka, adding that the council considered proposals from reputable companies both locally and internationally, which centred on water production, reticulation as well as power supply.

    The Commissioner stated that Governor Ugwuanyi’s administration, apart from the N100 million it injected at its inception to increase the output of water supply to Enugu metropolis, also awarded contract worth about N170 million for the maintenance of water facilities at Ajali and Oji River Water Plants to further boost supply.

    He revealed that the state presently generates over 18,000 cubic meters of water, saying, “that is why we now have water moving into every other parts of Enugu such as Ogui, New Layout, some parts of Independence Layout, New Haven, Abakpa, Achara Layout and Uwani, among others.

    “Our target is to ensure that we produce about 40,000 cubic meters of water so that substantially, most of Enugu will have water in the short-term. But in the long-term, the entire Enugu will have water, in keeping with our policy”, Egumgbe said.

    He added that the state government was considering the possibility of engaging the services of independent energy supply companies as alternative to Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), to avoid the ugly experience of unstable public power supply, which he said, hinders pumping of water to end users.

    “So, these multiple matters were dealt at the last executive meeting. It was aimed at ensuring that both in the short-term and long-term, we will have water within Enugu metropolis and Nsukka as well.

    “The meeting was dedicated to seeing what we can do to solve perennial water challenges. We believe that before the end of this year, we will have a cause to smile in the area of water availability”, he said.