Enugu State Government has reiterated its commitment towards ensuring that residents of the state enjoy potable water supply with the launch of the Water Sector Law.
The state House of Assembly had in 2021 passed the Water Sector Law aimed to improve water supply in the state.
According to the assembly, the Water Sector Law will harmonise the functions of governmental agencies in charge of generating water, noting that the involvement of community would help in the maintenance of water infrastructure.
Launching the law in Enugu on Tuesday, Gov. Peter Mbah promised that the state government would ensure provision of 60,000 cubic metres of water in the state before Nov. 23 in fulfillment of his campaign promises.
Mbah, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, said that provision of potable water to the residents was its priority and would do everything possible to attain the feat.
“This is important to us as the government following the promise the governor made during his campaign which he pledged to provide water to the people. We are not only working on providing water but enough water for the people’s consumption and we are going to produce 60,000 cubic metres of water before November 23,” he said.
The event was organised by the Ministry of Water Resources in partnership with WaterAid and the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF).
The Commissioner for Water Resources, Dr. Felix Nnamani, earlier in his welcome address, thanked the stakeholders who had been playing major roles in restoration of water in the state.
Nnamani said that the Enugu State Government left no stone unturned in ensuring that the citizens enjoyed potable and clean water.
Reviewing the law, Dr Kingsley Udeh, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, said the law states the right of the water providers and consumers.
Udeh, who was represented by the Deputy Director, Legal Drafting, called on the citizens to ensure they were conversant with the laws in order to know their right. He said that the bill was passed and signed into law in 2021 which showed that it started taking effect since 2021.
“This water sector law serves as a beacon of hope for people of the state and it signifies the government’s determination to address the challenges faced in the water sector,” Udeh said.
Ms Evelyn Mere, the Country Director of WaterAid, said that Enugu State recognised the crucial role of water, sanitation and hygiene in the development and well-being of its citizens.
Mere, who was represented by Etete Eta, the Programme Monitoring Evaluation and Reporting Officer, said the presence of Water Sector Law would provide clear guidelines and regulations governing water allocation, usage and conservation. “We sincerely appreciate the Governor of Enugu State, Dr Peter Mbah, for his foresight and commitment towards strengthening the water and sanitation sector.
“WaterAid will continue to partner with the state to deliver on its mandate of clean water, improved hygiene and sanitation for everyone, everywhere,” Eta said.
Highlight of the event was the dissemination of the Water Sector Law booklets to hundreds of people who were in attendance. (NAN)
