The Enugu State Government has expressed optimism over ongoing efforts to restore potable water supply to several parts of the Enugu metropolis, including Emene, Idaw River, Agbani Road axis, and surrounding communities.
The assurance was given by the Secretary to the State Government, Chidiebere Onyia, during an inspection tour of rehabilitation works in Abakpa, where water supply has recently been restored after extensive infrastructure upgrades.
Leading members of the government delivery team and engineers from the Enugu State Water Corporation, Onyia said the inspection was aimed at assessing the performance of newly installed high-pressure ductile iron pipes and upgraded distribution networks connected to existing water systems.
According to him, some of the previous pipelines serving Abakpa were affected during the expansion and dualisation of the Abakpa–Opi Nsukka Road, necessitating the replacement of old asbestos pipes with stronger and safer ductile iron pipes capable of handling increased water pressure and supply demands.
He reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Peter Mbah to restoring stable and equitable water distribution across the state capital and adjoining areas.
The government official stated that inspection findings confirmed that water supply had returned to several parts of Abakpa, with residents already recording water flow in homes and neighbourhoods after a prolonged shortage.
He noted, however, that some areas experienced leakages due to high water pressure, adding that technical teams had already identified affected points for immediate repairs.
Onyia disclosed that members of the inspection team visited residential buildings to physically verify water availability, revealing that many residents were surprised to discover running water had returned to their taps.
He added that similar inspection and validation exercises would soon be extended to Emene and other parts of the metropolis as restoration efforts continue.
The state government explained that the ongoing reforms in the water sector involve replacing outdated pipelines, expanding distribution channels, and improving supply systems in densely populated and previously underserved communities.
Areas currently targeted under the rehabilitation project include Emene, Trans-Ekulu, Meniru, Idaw River, Agbani Road axis, Uwani, and other parts of the city.
Onyia further stated that sections of Uwani, including Robinson Street, Kenyatta Street, and parts of Zik Avenue, have already benefited from completed tap-and-drop connections designed to improve direct household water access.
He emphasized that the administration has adopted a strict monitoring and validation process to ensure that all reported project outcomes are physically verified before official confirmation.
According to him, temporary service interruptions experienced in some locations were part of planned technical operations aimed at repairing damaged sections and stabilising water pressure across the network.
The government expressed confidence that once ongoing transmission and distribution upgrades are completed, most parts of Enugu metropolis would enjoy reliable and sustainable water supply.
Meanwhile, residents of Abakpa have welcomed the return of water services, describing the development as a major relief after years of depending on expensive water vendors.
Some residents said the restored supply has improved sanitation, reduced household expenses, and renewed confidence in the government’s commitment to infrastructure development across the state.