Enugu State Water Corporation

Update on the Construction of the New Water Transmission Pipeline

Work has commenced in earnest on the construction of a 4.5-kilometre water transmission pipeline from the Nsude Twin Tank, through 9th Mile and Ngwo, to the terminal water reservoir at New Market, Enugu.

It would be recalled that the Enugu State Government, under the able leadership of His Excellency, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, through the AFD-Support to 3rd National Urban Water Sector Reform Project (NUWSRP-3), undertook measures to increase the volume of water supplied to Enugu Urban. As part of this commitment, the government embarked on the construction of the new transmission pipeline.

This project is in line with Governor Peter Mbah's determination to ensure that pipe-borne water reaches every part of Enugu Metropolis, including the last mile.

With construction progressing steadily, the project marks another significant step towards restoring a reliable and sustainable water supply system for residents of Enugu Metropolis.

Umezuluike Mbah

Ndi Enugu, good afternoon!

We are pleased to inform you that water supply is currently ongoing in the following areas:
📍Ogui
📍GRA
📍Uwani
📍Thinkers Corner
📍New Haven
📍Trans Ekulu
Independence layout

Please check your taps and make use of the supply!

*We also kindly remind all customers to pay their water bills promptly to avoid service interruptions. Your cooperation helps us serve you better.*

If you notice burst pipes, illegal connections, water outages, low water pressure or un-clean water. Please report them. Your feedback helps us improve service across the city.

For inquiries or support:
📞 08162787933
📧 [email protected]

Thank you for choosing us. Together, we can ensure clean and reliable water for all.

Enugu State Water Corporation ENSWC is responsible for water provision to the Urban populace of Enugu State comprising mainly of about 1,200,000 people residing in Enugu Urban and about 386,000 Populace of Nsukka urban each spanning through 85 sq kms and 30 sq kms respectively

NEW: Enugu gov't raises hope on restoration of water to Emene, Idaw River, Agbani Road, others

…As Abakpa residents commend Mbah for restoring water supply

The Enugu State Government has raised fresh optimism over the restoration of potable water supply to Emene, Idaw River, Agbani Road axis, and other parts of Enugu metropolis, as ongoing rehabilitation of water infrastructure intensifies.

This assurance was given by the Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, during an inspection visit to Abakpa, following the successful restoration of water supply to the area.

Prof. Onyia, who led the government delivery team alongside engineers of the Enugu State Water Corporation, said the exercise was part of checks to confirm the effectiveness of newly laid high pressure ductile pipes as well as distribution lines and their integration with existing water networks.

Prof. Onyia explained that the water pipelines supplying Abakpa were among the public utility infrastructure affected by the expansion and dualisation of the Abakpa – Opi Nsukka Road.

He noted that the old asbestos pipes were excavated and replaced with more durable and safer ductile iron pipes, capable of withstanding the pressure from increased water production and transmission.

He reaffirmed that the administration of the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, remains committed to its promise of restoring sustainable and equitable water supply across all parts of the metropolis.

According to him, the inspection in Abakpa confirmed that water has successfully returned to the axis, with visible flow recorded in multiple locations and residential buildings.

“We started our inspection, our final inspection after the pipes have been laid; the distribution lines and those connecting residential areas. What we have noticed today is that the test of water coming back into Abakpa was successful,” he said.

He, however, explained that some sections recorded high water pressure, resulting in leakages, which have already been documented for immediate technical correction by the Water Corporation team.

“We can see areas where the pressure is so high that pipes are leaking. The Water Corporation is taking notes, and those will be repaired,” he added.

The SSG further said the team conducted physical verification inside residential flats to ensure actual household access to water, noting that in several cases, residents were surprised and excited to see water flowing again from their taps after a prolonged period of scarcity.

“We went into residences to confirm water availability. In some cases, residents didn’t even know water had returned until they opened their taps, and there was jubilation,” he said.

Prof. Onyia stated that similar validation exercises would soon extend to Emene and other parts of the metropolis, adding that stakeholders would be invited to witness live testing of the system as restoration progresses.

He explained that the government’s ongoing water sector reforms include the replacement of old asbestos pipelines with modern ductile iron pipes, expansion of distribution networks, and the systematic restoration of supply to both densely populated and previously underserved communities.

Areas currently in focus, he said, include Emene, Trans-Ekulu, Idaw River, Meniru, and Agbani Road axis, alongside continued stabilisation of supply in Abakpa and surrounding communities.

“What we are trying to do is ensure that densely populated areas are fully restored. We have completed the flushing of lines in some areas, and very soon we will extend operations towards Meniru down to Agbani Road,” he stated.

He further reported progress in parts of Uwani, including Robinson Street, Kenyatta Street, and sections of Zik Avenue, where tap-and-drop connections have already been completed to enable direct household supply.

Prof. Onyia emphasized that the administration operates a strict validation mechanism requiring physical inspection of all reported outputs before official confirmation, in line with the governor’s performance driven governance model.

“This government has not rested. The water task-force set up by His Excellency engages contractors and the Water Corporation to verify claims with evidence. Our job is to validate what is on the ground,” he said.

He added that intermittent shutdowns observed in some areas were part of planned technical interventions to fix bursts and restore optimal pressure across the system.

“When we have major bursts, we shut down lines, fix them, and restore service. That is what you are seeing,” he explained.

Prof. Onyia assured that once ongoing transmission and distribution upgrades are completed, most parts of Enugu metropolis, from Independence Layout through Abakpa to Gariki and Idaw River, will enjoy sustained and reliable water supply.

He reiterated that the restoration of water remains a priority of the Mbah administration’s infrastructure renewal agenda, anchored on delivering measurable and people-focused outcomes.

Meanwhile, residents of Abakpa have continued to express appreciation to the administration of Governor Mbah for restoring water supply to the area after a long period of scarcity.

Many described the development as a major relief, noting that access to potable water has not only eased daily living but also significantly improved hygiene and overall household wellbeing.

Mrs. Gladys Ugwu, a resident of Atani Street, hailed the governor as a leader who keeps his promises, stating that the restoration of water has renewed public confidence in government.

“We have suffered for a long time without water, buying from vendors at high cost. Today, water is running again in our homes. Governor Mbah has shown that he is a promise keeper, and we will continue to support him because we have confidence in his capacity to do a lot more for us,” she said.

Gov Mbah, French Ambassador Flag off 14.5km High-Capacity Water Pipeline

_...Reinforce partnerships in aviation, education, agriculture, others_

_... You are a transformer and an entrepreneur – Ambassador hails Mbah_

The Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, and the Ambassador of France to Nigeria, Marc Fonbaustier, on Wednesday, flagged off the construction of 14.5 kilometres of high-capacity transmission pipelines from Nsude to the Terminal Reservoir at Miliken Hill to significantly strengthen water supply to Enugu city.

This was even as the two leaders reinforced the commitment of the governments of France and Enugu State to stronger partnerships in the areas of education, aviation, agriculture, agro-industrialisation, and culture, among others.

The water project is in line with Governor Mbah’s determined efforts to get water to the last mile across the state capital.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Governor Mbah, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, said the project, supported by the French Development Agency (AFD) under the Third National Urban Water Sector Reform Programme, represented a bold step in his administration’s determination to deliver on his administration’s promise to provide reliable and sustainable water supply to the people of the state.

“For too long, access to clean water has been a challenge. But we are currently changing that story permanently.

"The construction of this critical transmission pipeline will significantly strengthen our water distribution backbone, ensuring that potable water reaches homes, businesses, and institutions across Enugu metropolis efficiently and consistently.

“But beyond the infrastructure, this project is about people. It is about improving public health by reducing waterborne diseases. It is about supporting businesses and driving economic growth. It is about restoring dignity by ensuring that every resident of Enugu has access to safe and reliable water,” he stated.

Also, while personally receiving the Ambassador in his office earlier, Governor Mbah said that while his administration had significantly addressed the upstream challenges by successfully increasing water generation from 2 million litres daily to 120 million litres in 180 days, it was still aggressively dealing with the downstream by laying ductile iron pipes in place of old, asbestos pipes, which had gravely failed to withstand increased water pressure.

He also said his administration had compassionately braved the cost of laying new pipes instead of pulling down so many buildings constructed on major water pipelines.

“However, we are never interested in inundating the people with excuses. We are rather determined to get water to the last mile.

“If you tell them you are generating 80m litres or 120m litres, but they turn their taps and nothing flows, it will not work. When they turn their tap and get water, that is the only time you will make sense to them.

“So, for the upstream, we will continue to generate the water. But we need private sector participation in the downstream. We are happy to work with any of the companies you can recommend to us. This is an area we truly want action,” Mbah said.

On his part, the French Ambassador said the Government of France, through the French Development Agency, had supported the urban water sector across Nigeria to the tune of $340 million over the past decade.

“So, this particular project reflects the strength of Franco-Nigerian cooperation. It brings together expertise from both countries, with Nigerian and French companies working hand in hand— from design to implementation. This partnership ensures not only high-quality infrastructure, but also knowledge transfer and local capacity building,” Mr. Fonbaustier stated.

He lauded Mbah’s sterling leadership qualities, expressing the readiness of the French Government to partner with Enugu State in many areas the Mbah Administration had blazed the trail.

“I commend you for who you are and what you have achieved to date. I am impressed by your profile, but also your result-oriented action.

“You are a man obsessed with time, timelines, roadmaps, and measures of impact. You want to transform Enugu State. You are a transformer and an entrepreneur. And this has been detected in various areas: railways, roads, airlines. I mean, how did you do that?

“To shape and build up an airline, which is already certified, with a concession for the Enugu airport in a short spell of time, is completely amazing and out of the usual standards in Nigeria.

“Let us be honest, you are obsessed with supplying basic services to your people,” he stated.

Meanwhile, in their remarks, the Commissioner for Water Resources, Enugu State, Engr. Ben Collins Ndu Jr.; Managing Director, Enugu Water Corporation, Dr. Michael Nwachukwu; and the Chairman of Udi Local Government Area, Hon. Hyginus Agu, thanked the French Government for its goodwill and support towards the development efforts in Enugu State.

On his part, the Managing Director of the construction firm, TLD Global Services Ltd., Engr. Hilary Abaratu, assured of excellence, timely delivery, and adherence to the highest standards.

The Enugu State Water Corporation, in collaboration with the Enugu North Local Government Council, yesterday convened a highly productive interactive engagement with leaders from various urban communities within Enugu North LGA. The meeting formed part of the Corporation’s ongoing commitment to transparency, accountability, and inclusive service delivery, as it continues to strengthen water supply across the state.

The engagement provided a valuable platform for community leaders to interface directly with the Corporation’s management, share firsthand experiences, and contribute meaningfully to discussions on water service delivery.

Participants acknowledged the visible progress being made under the administration of Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, particularly in tackling longstanding water infrastructure challenges. While some concerns were raised—such as isolated cases of pipeline damage, fluctuating pressure, and occasional supply interruptions—the overall tone reflected growing confidence in the Corporation’s interventions.

Responding comprehensively, the Managing Director, Engr. Dr. Michael Nwachukwu, outlined the significant strides already recorded and the strategic investments currently underway. He detailed ongoing efforts to rehabilitate and replace aging pipelines, resolve power-related limitations affecting water production, and enhance pumping capacity to ensure more reliable and efficient distribution.

Engr. Dr. Nwachukwu reassured stakeholders that the Corporation is working diligently to address all identified challenges and sustain the momentum of ongoing reforms. He emphasized that residents across Enugu North LGA and other parts of the state will continue to experience steady improvements in water supply in the coming weeks, as the government consolidates its efforts to deliver safe, accessible, and sustainable water services to all.