Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki
Oferekpe mega water scheme in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, has commenced operation seven years after it was completed but not put to use.
The multi-billion naira water scheme was constructed by Chief Martin Elechi, the second civilian governor of the state.
Elechi also built multi-billion naira pipe production company for production of pipes for water reticulation.
But the water scheme and the pipe production company were vandalised and looted by criminals during the last administration of David Umahi who is now Minister of Works.
Governor Francis Nwifuru revived the company and the water scheme after procuring the equipment that were looted.
While the pipe production company has commenced operation, producing different pipes, the Oferekpe water scheme has started skeletal operations, getting ready for full services.
The manager of the water scheme, Eric Alobu, said the water that is currently being pumped in the water scheme, is coming from the the river connected to the water scheme.
He explained that the water scheme has processed one of the best water so far.
“The last time this water treatment plant worked, was in 2018 when it was completed. Today, we are starting operation, it’s been a down time.
“Before now, there was a problem; the problem was that the chemical outline there was not working and it is part of what this very intervention has captured.
“Why it is as if we are not treating the water as it is supposed to be is that we are just filling the lines and washing the system.”
He assured that the plant will be lifting water to Abakaliki, the state capital, all year round.
Conducting journalists round the water scheme, the state Commissioner for Information, Jude Okpor, said the present administration in the state has committed over N200million in the reactivation of the water scheme.
He opined that even when the water scheme was completed in 2018, it was never put to use untill the present administration in the state reactivated it after it was vandalised.
He disclosed that almost all the automation in the scheme were vandalised and looted.
I can tell you authoritatively that the state government has committed over N200million on this water scheme but our joy today is that it has started working.
“This scheme at it’ full operational level, can serve the entire state. The only challenge we are still experiencing right now, is to make sure that the pipeline from the water scheme down to the reservoir in Abakaliki is free,” he said.
The Commissioner averred that the water scheme will soon start supplying water to the state capital.
