The Chairman of Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area, Dr. Eric Ogbonna Odo, has commissioned the revitalised Greater Ukehe Water Scheme and the reticulation of brand new 17 water pump galleries in the communities.
He was accompanied by the Commissioner for Water Resources, Mr. Ben Collins Ndu Jr. and the Managing Director, Enugu State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (EN-RUWASSA), Mrs. Chika Mbah, for the commissioning.
Speaking at the event on Thursday at the revitalised water scheme site in Ukehe, Odo said the project is in fulfillment of Governor Mbah’s campaign promises to Igbo Etiti East development center in 2022.
He explained that the revitalised scheme will ensure steady water supply to Ukehe and neighbouring communities, while the newly reticulated 17 pump galleries spanning over 6KM along Old Federal road will make water easily accessible to residents.
“When I resumed office in September 2024, I made a solemn promise to end the long years of water scarcity in Igbo-Etiti.
“Today, we are witnessing the result of that commitment and it is a dream come true for our people
“This revitalised Greater Ukehe Water Scheme will provide potable water to our people and improve the quality of life in our communities.”
“These water galleries are strategically located to ensure that no resident walks a long distance to fetch water. This is about making life easier for our people.
“Access to clean water is not a privilege, it is a right, and our administration is determined to make that a reality,” the council boss hinted.
Odo reiterated that the project was carefully executed to ensure durability and maximum reach, with 17 pump galleries reticulated to serve households.
While stressing that his administration is determined to ensure that every community in Igbo-Etiti has a functional water source, he assured that other water projects in the LGA will soon receive attention.
Also, Dr. Chibuike Iyi, the contractor, who handled the project, expressed satisfaction with the outcome, assuring that the facilities were built to standard and would serve the people for many years.
“We used quality materials and modern technology to ensure the system is efficient and long-lasting.
“This project reflects the commitment of the local government chairman to deliver sustainable infrastructure,” Iyi stressed.
In his remark, the Commissioner for Water Resources, Mr. Ben Collins Ndu Jr. commended the state Governor and the council chairman for undertaking such a huge project for the benefit of the people.
Ndu called on the community to protect the project from vandals, to enable them enjoy the water facilities and installations for a very long time.
In the same vein, the MD EN- RUWASSA Hon.Mrs Chika Mbah called on the benefitting communities to take full ownership of the project and protect the investment to enable sustainability.
The highpoint of the event was the commissioning of the 17 water galleries in Ukehe Igbo Etiti Local government Areas, Enugu state.
They are Amauwani Gallery Point, Ekechara Market Gallery Point, Ugwu Ogbomogu Gallery Point and fourteen others.
Meanwhile, residents of the communities have expressed joy and thanked God for the gift of Governor Mbah and Eric Odo for keeping to their promises of providing them with access to clean water, which they described as an end to water scarcity in Ukehe.
