Enugu State has taken a major step toward improving rural water access with the official flag-off of the Partnership for Expanded Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene programme in Isi-Uzo Local Government Area. The launch, done in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, drew federal officials, state representatives, traditional rulers, women leaders and community stakeholders who described the initiative as a lifeline for communities that have endured years of water scarcity and frequent cholera outbreaks. The programme aims to improve safe water supply, promote sanitation and hygiene, and strengthen public health in rural settlements.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, Senior Water Engineer Engr. Sunday Agu explained that the PEWASH programme was created as a national collaborative platform involving federal and state governments, development partners, the private sector and benefiting communities. He said the success of the initiative depends on joint responsibility and adherence to established guidelines. According to him, “For the full benefits of PEWASH to be realized, all partners must demonstrate equal commitment in line with established protocols,” adding that long-term sustainability would rely heavily on community ownership and proper maintenance of the facilities.
Representing Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, the Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, Dr. Felix Nnamani, praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for expanding access to essential amenities through the national WASH efforts. He revealed that Enugu State had fully met its counterpart funding obligations and encouraged residents of the benefiting areas to take full responsibility for the facilities. He stated that communities must “take full ownership of these projects to ensure they endure.” Dr. Nnamani also noted that two local governments were selected from each senatorial zone for the intervention and urged others to work closely with the Enugu State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency to advance Sustainable Development Goal 6 focused on clean water and sanitation. He applauded Igbo-Etiti LGA for recently achieving Open Defecation Free status and said the administration would continue to maximize federal opportunities for public welfare.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources, Ada Nwonye, representing the Commissioner, described the programme launch as “a critical step in expanding access to safe water, promoting sanitation, and enhancing hygiene across the state.” She commended Governor Mbah for his consistent support and investment in rural development projects intended to improve citizen welfare. Her remarks highlighted the urgent need for safe water solutions, especially for communities that remain vulnerable to waterborne diseases and seasonal water shortages.
Managing Director of EN-RUWASSA, Hon. Chika Mbah, gave insight into why Isi-Uzo was chosen as a priority location. She said data showed that the area has faced persistent water scarcity and remains a hotspot whenever cholera outbreaks occur in Enugu State. According to her, “Whenever there is a cholera outbreak in Enugu State, Isi-Uzo is always the hotspot, and we understand why; it is a water source issue.” She stressed that the project is need-driven and backed by detailed geographical surveys conducted across the communities to identify viable water sources. She noted that EN-RUWASSA ensures community participation in every stage, including surveys, contractor engagement and federal evaluations. She clarified that “PEWASH is a matching project, not a matching fund,” explaining that the approach empowers communities to manage the facilities independently. She added that drilling would begin on Thursday, November 13, with technical experts from EN-RUWASSA supervising operations due to the difficult soil formation. She emphasized that “Water is difficult to access underground, so our professionals will oversee all technical aspects to ensure the project’s success.”
Local government representatives, including Hon. Nnamchi of Isi-Uzo and Hon. Aka Eze Aka of Udenu, praised Governor Mbah’s commitment to rural development and pledged local support to ensure effective implementation. Health officials at the event also linked unsafe water and poor sanitation to high cases of diarrhoea and advised residents to take full ownership of the new facilities to reduce preventable illnesses.
For many residents, the launch marked the end of decades of struggle. Women leaders such as Nnaji Josephine and retired school principal Chinyere Eze narrated their experiences of relying on unsafe water sources. They recalled depending on streams like the Neke Ebony River, which dries up during the dry season and leaves families vulnerable to waterborne diseases. The traditional ruler of Nkwo Ikem, His Royal Highness Igwe Pius Nnamani, delivered goodwill messages from the traditional council and emphasized the urgent need for permanent water solutions.
Hon. Chika Mbah also acknowledged the role of Engr. Obinna Ejike, Head of the Water Department, and his team for conducting extensive surveys across the six benefiting local governments, a task she described as vital for the successful planning and rollout of the PEWASH programme.
The ceremony ended with a cultural performance by women of Ikem Isitoro, reflecting community unity and shared commitment to sustaining the water and sanitation facilities. Observers noted that the PEWASH flag-off demonstrates a strong multi-stakeholder commitment to solving Enugu’s rural water challenges through community-driven and sustainable solutions aimed at improving public health and quality of life.
