Mr Dan Nwaomeh, the Senior Special Assistant on Mainstream Media to Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, has said that over 200 houses in some parts of the state are built on water lines.
Nwaomeh disclosed this on Friday in Enugu at the maiden edition of the CSO/Media Exchange organised by the Network of Water Rights Initiative in partnership with the Global Society for Anti-corruption, Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists and the Media Unit, Government House, Enugu.
The event was part of activities marking the 2024 International Water Day in Enugu with the theme: “Water for Peace”.
The governor’s media aide noted that the development made it difficult for engineers to work in those areas.
He said, “These houses were built illegally and the governor said he cannot demolish the buildings rather than find an alternative ways of solving the water problems in the areas.
“As a result of this hindrance, the State Water Corporation does not have the capacity to do so many things that they needed to do.
“But this will not stop us from providing water to every home in the state as the governor is working day and night to ensure that water is made available.”
Nwaomeh said that the governor promised to make water available 180 days after his inauguration as a governor, and he was able to meet the target.
According to him, work is seriously ongoing, and we are making progress in replacing rustic water pipes and valves in some parts of the state to ensure that all homes have access to portable and hygienic drinking water.
In his remarks, Mr Tony Adibe, who spoke on behalf of the Correspondent Chapel, urged residents of the state to support Gov. Peter Mbah to succeed in providing water for all in the state.
Adibe lauded the governor for tackling the age long water challenge in the state especially in Enugu metropolis with commitment and political will.
“The issue and challenge of water is one thing every resident of Enugu metropolis carries as a burden; but thank God for Gov Peter Mbah coming to lift the burden from our shoulders,” he said.
In an address, the Coordinator of Network of Water Right Initiative, Amb. Amaka Nweke, said investing in water infrastructure and technology could empower communities, laying the groundwork for prosperity and harmony.
Nweke said the event was aimed to foster a deep understanding of water-related issues, promote peace-building initiatives, and strengthen collaboration between media practitioners and civil society organisations in ending water scarcity.
According to her, we should reflect on the profound role that water plays in fostering peace and unity across the globe even in our communities.
She said that it was incumbent upon water stakeholders to recognize the interconnectedness of water and peace, “for where there is access to clean water, there is a foundation for stability and cooperation.
“In countless regions, water scarcity exacerbates tensions and fuels conflicts. Today, let us commit to transforming water from a potential source of contention into a catalyst for cooperation.
“By prioritising sustainable water management practices and fostering equitable distribution, we can mitigate conflicts rooted in water scarcity and pave the way for peaceful coexistence.
“We will not fail to recognise what the administration of His Excellency, Gov. Peter Mbah is doing to end water scarcity in Enugu State.
“We appreciate the fact that Enugu State can boast of having 120 million litres of water per day.
“We also have seen the ongoing fixing of modern new ductile pipes to replace the age long asbestos pipes to enable hitch free transportation or reticulation of clean water to our homes,” she said.
NAN
