One Year After Commissioning, Enugu’s Water Galleries Remain Abandoned with Dry Taps

One year after the commissioning of water galleries by the Enugu State government, residents have reported that many of the projects have been abandoned. Several taps are dry, and some have never worked since their completion.

Over the past few months, Enugu residents have expressed frustration over the situation and accused the government of failing to deliver on its promises.

“What happened to providing water to all houses in 180 days? What happened to the water gallery commissioned just nine months ago by Enugu State Government?” a resident asked, after observing some of the failed projects.

He added that the water gallery in Emene, near Akanu Ibiam Airport, was never completed and has never been used. Another resident complained about the disruption caused by the construction, saying, “They used our little parking space to build the water gallery, yet the water is not running.”

In November 2023, Governor Peter Mbah inaugurated a 120-million-litre water supply scheme. He had promised to resolve water scarcity in Enugu within 180 days of taking office. During the ceremony, he announced the completion of two major projects: a 70-million-litre water scheme in 9th Mile and a 50-million-litre scheme at Oji River.

The governor stated that the projects would provide 120 million litres of potable water daily to Enugu metropolis and its suburbs. He also claimed this would be twice the daily demand of the city.

At the inauguration, he said uninterrupted water supply was essential to the state’s economic goals, which include increasing the GDP from $4.4 billion to $30 billion. He assured residents that contracts had been awarded for 95 water galleries across the city to ensure water reached all households.

Despite these promises, residents in areas like Achara Layout, Awkunanaw, Idaw River, Merryland, Trans-Ekulu, New Artisan, and Emene say they are yet to see any improvement. Many complained that the taps installed in their communities were dry and non-functional.

Grace Ezeani, a resident of Achara Layout, told News Agency of Nigeria that the water scarcity has led to higher costs for alternatives.

“For now, I haven’t seen much, especially in my area. It would be good if they extended the project here because we are already suffering for water,” she said.

Raphael Orizu, who lives in Ologo, Coal Camp, said the government project in his area has not worked for over five months. He added that the cost of sachet water, which his family relies on, has increased significantly.

The rising cost of water and the failure of government to address the issue has left residents disappointed. The frustration is worsened by the government neglecting the critical issue of water supply to focus on less essential projects like monuments and buildings. Many communities still struggle with inadequate access to clean water and despite media praises, the existing scheme remain non-functional.

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