From Nwogha Ndubuisi, Abakaliki
Multi-billion naira Oferekpe mega water scheme constructed by former Governor Martin Elechi in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State has commenced operation seven years after it was completed.
Elechi also built a multi-billion naira pipe production company for the production of pipes for water reticulation, but was vandalised and looted by criminals during the David Umahi-led administration.
Governor Francis Nwifuru revived the company and the water scheme after procuring new equipment.
While the pipe production company has commenced operation, Oferekpe water scheme has started skeletal operation, getting ready for full services.
Manager of the water scheme, Mr Eric Alobu said the water currently being pumped is coming from the river connected to the water scheme.
“The last time this water treatment plant worked was in 2018 when it was completed. Today we are starting operation.
“Before now, there was a problem, which is that the chemical outline 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 filing the lines and washing the system,” Alobu said.
He assured that the plant would lift water to Abakaliki, the state capital all year round.
Conducting journalists round the water scheme, Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Jude Okpor said the present administration had committed over N200million in the reactivation of the water scheme.
He revealed that even when the water scheme was completed in 2018, it was never put to use untill the present administration reactivated it after it was vandalised.
He disclosed that almost all the automation in the scheme were vandalised and looted.
The commissioner averred that it would soon start supplying water to the state capital and beyond.
