Dan Nwomeh@DanNwomeh
NEW: Enugu gov't raises hope on restoration of water to Emene, Idaw River, Agbani Road, others
…As Abakpa residents commend Mbah for restoring water supply
The Enugu State Government has raised fresh optimism over the restoration of potable water supply to Emene, Idaw River, Agbani Road axis, and other parts of Enugu metropolis, as ongoing rehabilitation of water infrastructure intensifies.
This assurance was given by the Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, during an inspection visit to Abakpa, following the successful restoration of water supply to the area.
Prof. Onyia, who led the government delivery team alongside engineers of the Enugu State Water Corporation, said the exercise was part of checks to confirm the effectiveness of newly laid high pressure ductile pipes as well as distribution lines and their integration with existing water networks.
Prof. Onyia explained that the water pipelines supplying Abakpa were among the public utility infrastructure affected by the expansion and dualisation of the Abakpa – Opi Nsukka Road.
He noted that the old asbestos pipes were excavated and replaced with more durable and safer ductile iron pipes, capable of withstanding the pressure from increased water production and transmission.
He reaffirmed that the administration of the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, remains committed to its promise of restoring sustainable and equitable water supply across all parts of the metropolis.
According to him, the inspection in Abakpa confirmed that water has successfully returned to the axis, with visible flow recorded in multiple locations and residential buildings.
“We started our inspection, our final inspection after the pipes have been laid; the distribution lines and those connecting residential areas. What we have noticed today is that the test of water coming back into Abakpa was successful,” he said.
He, however, explained that some sections recorded high water pressure, resulting in leakages, which have already been documented for immediate technical correction by the Water Corporation team.
“We can see areas where the pressure is so high that pipes are leaking. The Water Corporation is taking notes, and those will be repaired,” he added.
The SSG further said the team conducted physical verification inside residential flats to ensure actual household access to water, noting that in several cases, residents were surprised and excited to see water flowing again from their taps after a prolonged period of scarcity.
“We went into residences to confirm water availability. In some cases, residents didn’t even know water had returned until they opened their taps, and there was jubilation,” he said.
Prof. Onyia stated that similar validation exercises would soon extend to Emene and other parts of the metropolis, adding that stakeholders would be invited to witness live testing of the system as restoration progresses.
He explained that the government’s ongoing water sector reforms include the replacement of old asbestos pipelines with modern ductile iron pipes, expansion of distribution networks, and the systematic restoration of supply to both densely populated and previously underserved communities.
Areas currently in focus, he said, include Emene, Trans-Ekulu, Idaw River, Meniru, and Agbani Road axis, alongside continued stabilisation of supply in Abakpa and surrounding communities.
“What we are trying to do is ensure that densely populated areas are fully restored. We have completed the flushing of lines in some areas, and very soon we will extend operations towards Meniru down to Agbani Road,” he stated.
He further reported progress in parts of Uwani, including Robinson Street, Kenyatta Street, and sections of Zik Avenue, where tap-and-drop connections have already been completed to enable direct household supply.
Prof. Onyia emphasized that the administration operates a strict validation mechanism
