About 19 years after it was conceived, the Enugu State government, in partnership with WaterAid Nigeria and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), yesterday, formally launched its water sector law to regulate issues on water generation and supply, as well as providing citizens rights to access potable water and sanitation services.
The six chapter document with over 100 pages, equally provides the institutional and regulatory framework for the water and sanitation sector.
The water law, which was enacted by the House of Assembly on July 27, 2021, was mooted in 2004. It was, however, assented to on August 3, 2021, by the immediate past Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.
It also made provision for the involvement of the private sector in the state’s water management.
Speaking during the official launch/dissemination of the law funded by the state government, WaterAid Nigeria and UNICEF, Governor Peter Mbah said provision of potable water to citizens is among the priorities of his administration.
Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, who represented the governor, stated: “This is important to us as a government, following the promise the governor made to the people during his political campaign 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 cubic metres of water before November 23.”
“Enugu government is committed to ensuring that there is clean water, but the citizens need to also play their own part by improving their pipes and taps to avoid breaking due to high pressure of water.”
Onyia expressed appreciation to development partners, especially WaterAid Nigeria, for intervening in issues concerning water and sanitation, saying the government is not taking such gestures for granted.
Wateraid Country Director, Evelyn Mere, who stressed the need for all and sundry to always embrace and promote issues pertaining to sanitation and hygiene for healthy living, commended the state government for its role.
According to her, by enacting the comprehensive law, Enugu has taken a significant step towards the effective management and sustainable use of water resources in the state.
Mere, who spoke through the State WaterAid Programme Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting Officer, Mr. Eteta Eta, added that the dissemination and launch of the water sector law serves as a glimmer of hope for the people of Enugu.
