Ben Ezechime, Enugu
The Enugu State Government says it has observed with dismay acts of sponsored and deliberate vandalism and wanton destruction of government utilities especially water facilities and other critical infrastructure by some unpatriotic elements in the state.
This was contained in a statement by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Professor Chidiebere Onyia issued in Enugu.
Onyia said that the incessant attacks on water infrastructure such as water galleries, electrical fittings on solar lights attached to water facilities, damage of both high pressure and distribution pipes by hoodlums have denied many of the innocent citizens of the state access to potable water with a huge cost on the government for replacement.
“These acts which are now causing untold hardship on our innocent citizens, despite warnings, will now be taken as an act of terrorism with dire consequences on those engaging in the criminal venture.
“In view of the above, the government therefore restates its commitment to ensuring all public facilities are protected at all costs, including water fixtures by reinforcing security surveillance around these facilities, prosecuting anybody or group of individuals caught in this act of sabotage,” Onyia said.
The SSG warned that contractors and other companies constructing roads, carrying on trenching or excavation, or building any structure should exercise the highest level of caution as any damage to water facilities or any other public facility will not only be prosecuted but will also be held responsible for indemnity over what they damage.”
Onyia urged members of the public to take the facilities as their own by protecting them, and staying vigilant against vandals prowling around. He also advised citizens to make use of any of the communication channels to make their reports.
