By Tony Obiadi/Azuka Offor :
Anambra State Government has said it is ready to partner with individuals and communities in a Public Private, Community Partnership (PPCP) alliance in providing quality water supply to the people of the state.
The Commissioner for Power and Water Resources, Engr. Julius Chukwuemeka made this known at a meeting held with community leaders and representatives in Anaocha and Aguata Local Government Areas.
He said that the pilot scheme of steady water supply in the state would begin with the Obizi Water Scheme in Aguata LGA and Neni water Scheme in Anaocha LGA through a module that involves the State Government, private sector, and the community.
He said this was in furtherance of the state Governments commitment to ensuring that every household in the state has access to a good water supply.
The commissioner urged the communities to take ownership of government projects in their various communities to enable the government to serve them better.
He told the Town Union Leaders to inculcate in their various communities the culture of saying something when they see something to help the State Government to achieve its objectives of securing the state.
The State Acting Director, Water Resources in the Ministry, Mr. Victor Ezekwo said that the Obizi natural spring water scheme is very safe for drinking and that the scheme has been supplying water to communities and environs in Aguata.
He added that the water supply was stopped recently due to the illegal reconnection of underground water pipes which caused pipe leaks and called on the community leaders to take responsibility for safeguarding government facilities domiciled in their communities.
The Commissioner, Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr. Collins Nwabunwanne said that the community leaders should be part of securing the projects by looking into and supervising the ones being created in their various communities.
The Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Ifeyinwa Uzoka urged all to support the government’s bid in achieving its proposed goals.
The Chairman, Chief Executive of BIRSA Water Limited, Engr. Paul Odom who unveiled the water scheme module for consideration by the State Government said that for the module to work effectively there must be factual transparency and truth in the handling of the project.
He called on all partners’ hands to be on deck to make the module work.
In a closing remark the President General, Amisi Community, Chief Leo Morah on behalf of the community leaders expressed his happiness at the state government’s approach to tackling water supply in the state.
He promised on behalf of the community leaders present that everything learned from the meeting would be implemented.
Also present at the event are the Transition Committee Chairman (TCC), Anaocha LGA, and President Generals (PGs) of communities in Aguata.
