Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru has commenced the revival of the ₦16 billion Oferekpe Water Scheme to address the persistent water crisis in the state. The project, which had previously been abandoned, is being prioritised to provide potable water to a significant number of communities.
The Oferekpe Water Scheme is a massive multi-billion naira installation designed to address the water needs of various local government areas. The scale of the project makes it one of the most critical infrastructure assets in the state’s current development plans.
The completion of the scheme is expected to transform the state’s water landscape, providing a reliable supply of clean water and reducing the reliance on unsafe water sources. The move aims to mitigate the long-standing challenges faced by residents in both rural and urban parts of Ebonyi.
Addressing Ebonyi’s water shortage
The decision to restart the scheme follows a period of inactivity that left the multi-billion naira investment at risk of total loss. The ₦16 billion project is intended to serve as a cornerstone for the state’s public health and sanitation strategy. By addressing the water deficit, the administration seeks to reduce the incidence of water-borne diseases that frequently affect communities with limited access to treated water.
The Oferekpe installation is viewed as a high-capacity solution capable of managing the demands of a growing population. The revival of the project was highlighted in recent reports concerning the state’s infrastructure plans. Once fully operational, the project is expected to alter the distribution of water resources across the state significantly.
For many years, Ebonyi residents have navigated difficult circumstances due to inadequate water infrastructure, often resorting to shallow wells, streams, or expensive private water vendors. This has had direct economic implications, as households and small-scale businesses spend a disproportionate amount of their income on water procurement.
The Nwifuru administration’s focus on this project is part of a broader effort to recover and complete abandoned capital projects across the state. This approach is intended to ensure that previous government expenditures yield tangible benefits for the citizenry rather than remaining as wasted assets.
The technical requirement for the project involves completing the distribution networks and ensuring the pumping stations are fully functional to meet the projected demand. The state government has indicated that the success of the scheme is central to its broader infrastructural agenda for the state.
The next phase of the project involves the completion of the mechanical and electrical components necessary for the system to begin operations. The state government is expected to provide further updates on the project’s timeline and the specific communities that will be the first to benefit from the restored supply.
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