Governor of Enugu state, Dr Peter Mbah and French Ambassador to Nigeria, Marc Fonbaustier, on Wednesday, flagged off the construction of a 14.5-kilometre high-capacity transmission pipeline aimed at delivering portable water supply across Enugu metropolis.
The landmark project, stretch from Nsude to the Terminal Reservoir at Miliken Hil.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Governor Mbah, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, described the initiative as a decisive intervention to transform water infrastructure and improve living standards.
“For too long, access to clean water has been a challenge. But we are currently changing that story permanently,” he said.
He said,“The construction of this critical transmission pipeline will significantly strengthen our water distribution backbone, ensuring that potable water reaches homes, businesses, and institutions across Enugu metropolis efficiently and consistently.”
Beyond infrastructure, the governor stressed the human impact of the project.
“This project is about people. It is about improving public health by reducing waterborne diseases. It is about supporting businesses and driving economic growth. It is about restoring dignity,” he said.
Gov Mbah (m) during the courtesy visit
Earlier while receiving the envoy who paid him a courtesy visit in his office , Governor Mbah revealed that his administration had ramped up water production from two million litres daily to 120 million litres within 180 days, but noted that distribution challenges remained a key focus.
“If you tell them you are generating 80 million litres or 120 million litres, but they turn their taps and nothing flows, it will not work,” he said pointedly.
“When they turn their tap and get water, that is the only time you will make sense to them.”
He emphasized the need for private sector collaboration to fix downstream distribution, stating, “We are happy to work with any of the companies you can recommend. This is an area we truly want action.”
Speaking , Fonbaustier underscored the depth of Franco-Nigerian cooperation, noting that France, through the French Development Agency, had invested over $340 million in Nigeria’s urban water sector in the last decade.
“This project reflects the strength of Franco-Nigerian cooperation. It brings together expertise from both countries… ensuring high-quality infrastructure, knowledge transfer, and local capacity building, ” he said.
The envoy commended Governor Mbah’s leadership style and developmental drive.
“You are a man obsessed with time, timelines, roadmaps, and measures of impact. You want to transform Enugu State.
“You are a transformer and an entrepreneur, ” he said.
He described the governor’s strides in sectors such as aviation and infrastructure as “completely amazing and out of the usual standards in Nigeria.”
Officials including the Commissioner for Water Resources, Engr. Ben Collins Ndu Jr., and the Managing Director of Enugu Water Corporation, Dr. Michael Nwachukwu, alongside local government authorities, commended the French Government’s continued support.
On his part, the Managing Director of TLD Global Services Ltd., Engr. Hilary Abaratu, assured residents of timely delivery and adherence to global standards. He was optimistic that the project would mark a turning point in Enugu’s water supply story.
