Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has assured residents that water rates will remain affordable following the signing of a $100m investment agreement with a consortium of Austrian investors. The partnership aims to improve water distribution in the state capital and its environs by addressing infrastructure challenges and ensuring access to clean water for all households.
Speaking at a town hall meeting in Enugu over the weekend, Governor Mbah highlighted the progress made in water production since his administration began. He noted that daily water production had increased from an occasional 2 million liters to 120 million liters within 180 days.
To tackle challenges in water distribution, particularly reticulation and replacing outdated asbestos pipes, the governor explained that the Austrian investment would focus on the “last mile” of water supply. The initiative targets connecting 1.5 million households in its first phase, with work set to commence in January 2025.
“The magnitude of the challenges with tertiary pipes became evident once water started flowing through them after decades of neglect. Many pipes burst, and we found that some were still asbestos, which needed replacement,” Mbah stated.
He added, “While we’ve achieved 150% of our daily water production needs, the real task is ensuring that water reaches every household. The $100 million investment is not a loan or grant but a direct investment in downstream water management, with the investors handling pipe replacements and metering homes.”
Governor Mbah assured residents that the government remains committed to keeping water rates low despite the private investment. The state will retain control of water production, ensuring that investors purchase water at minimal costs to prevent exploitation.
“This is a social service, not a profit-driven venture. While investors will have a return on investment, we’ve built in safety nets to keep costs minimal. The water sold to our people will remain affordable because the production cost will be kept at its lowest,” he said.
The governor also emphasized the long-term cost savings for residents, estimating that metered households would spend 20% of their current expenses on alternative water sources. “Most importantly, residents will have access to clean water straight from their taps,” he assured.
In addition to water infrastructure, Mbah announced plans to establish the Enugu State Disabilities Commission in 2025, further demonstrating his administration’s commitment to social development and inclusion.
