Abakaliki, the capital of Ebonyi State has over the years grappled with unreliable or no public water supply until the administration of Rt Hon Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru. It’s a well-known fact that public water supply had ceased in the capital city and surrounding areas.
For many decades leaving residents with no other option than to rely on boreholes, wells, sachet water and other less-reliable sources. This ugly situation persisted despite huge investments in water resources by successive administrations particularly Governor Martins Nwanchor Elechi who built the Oferekpe Water Scheme.
Heartwarmingly, when Governor Nwifuru came on board, he declared a state of emergency in the water sector as captured in his “People’s Charter of Needs” agenda insisting that his administration would focus on increasing access to quality water supply across the state.
Below are some of the practical steps taken by Governor Nwifuru to restore public water supply in Abakaliki urban and other areas within the state:
1.REACTIVATION OF SOME WATER TREATMENT PLANTS AND SCHEMES:
The reactivation of the Ezillo Water Treatment Plant was a major booster for water supply in Abakaliki as the piped infrastructure from the reservoir at Umuoghara has been repaired and brought back into operation.
Another milestone is the resuscitation of the Oferekpe Water Scheme, located in Ikwo LGA, which was completed years ago by Governor Elechi but remained idle due to vandalism and neglect. Under the current administration, it has been revived and test-runs are underway with water reticulation going on.
Similarly, the Old Abakaliki Water Scheme (low-lift facility at Ebonyi River has received the attention of Governor Nwifuru. It is being reconstructed, with associated pumping/pipeline works, to service hill-top areas and the Iboko reservoir.
2.STREET-BY-STREET RETICULATION WITHIN ABAKALIKI METROPOLIS:
Through the tireless efforts of the Honourable Commissioner for Water Resources, Chief Chinedum Nkah, some residents reported that over 100 streets in Abakaliki metropolis were getting portable/piped water as of July, 2025. This is made possible by the rehabilitation of the water schemes.
More streets are currently enjoying direct supply from the Ezillo scheme while pipes are being laid to connect other streets.
Obviously, the target is to reach all streets of the metropolis by end of 2025, according to the State Ministry of Water Resources.
3.PROVISION OF ADDITIONAL WATER-SOURCES TO AUGMENT THE PIPED BORNE WATER SUPPLY
It’s on record that within the first two years of this administration, Governor Nwifuru sunk over 100 boreholes across communities in the 13 LGAs of the state.
There’s ongoing massive repairs and replacements of damaged mains and pipes (especially broken during road works) in order to reduce leakages and waste and restore public water supply.
4.COMPLEMENTARY INFRASTRUCTURAL WORKS:
The Governor also focused on building road infrastructures and other facilities especially the “waterworks road” leading to the low-lift facility at Ebonyi River which has been deplorable for many years. The governor ordered immediate reconstruction of the road and bridge to enable reservoir maintenance and full operations.
Interestingly, all the pipeline from Oferekpe (about 52 km) to Abakaliki hitherto vandalized and looted have undergone assessment and immediate repairs to restore full water supply.
BENEFITS TO RESIDENTS:
The Abakaliki residents have heaved a sigh of relief since the restoration of water supply in the state because it has reduced huge financial burdens on them. The weekly expenses on buying water runs into thousands of naira.
Ebonyi being a guinea worm endemic state needs clean water supply to end the menace. The Governor has reasonably nipped it in the bud which also translates to improved standard of living.
CHALLENGES AND MORE WORKS TO BE DONE
The Reticulation is still ongoing: While supply has resumed in large parts, full coverage of all streets of Abakaliki is still pending, especially in more remote or hill-top zones.
Pipeline breakages & vandalism: Many old pipes were broken or built over; some pipelines from the treatment plants to the metropolis have been vandalized or disrupted (e.g., damage during road works at Azuinyioku bridge affecting Oferekpe supply). Identifying and fixing them remain a daunting task.
Sustainability and maintenance: Having water come to the taps is one thing; keeping the system running 24/7 with minimal downtime, leakages, and non-revenue losses is the next hurdle. The Ministry has a herculean task in maintaining the water schemes, pipe replacement and leak repairs.
In conclusion, Governor Nwifuru has no doubt made giant strides in restoring public water supply in Abakaliki and across Ebonyi State. Through the revitalization of moribund water schemes, expanding street-level connections, and complementing piped supply with boreholes, the state has begun to reverse years of neglect in its water infrastructure and re-written the ugly narrative of Ebonyi state being the guinea worm headquarters of Nigeria.
Hopefully, with the passionate commitment of the Governor, it’s expected that very soon there will be consistent, 24-hour supply of potable water to every street
within Abakakiki and even beyond.
Hon. Ike Cletus Ngah
SA, Internal Security (Ivo)