Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that residents enjoy potable water supply with the launch of the Water Sector Law.

The state House of Assembly passed the Water Sector Law in 2021, which aimed to improve water in the state.

According to the assembly, the water sector law will harmonise the functions of governmental agencies in charge of generating water, noting that the community’s involvement would help to maintain water infrastructure.

Launching the law in Enugu on Tuesday, Mr Mbah promised that the state government would provide 60,000 cubic metres of water before November 23 to fulfil his campaign promises.

Mr Mbah, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Chidiebere Onyia, said that providing potable water to the residents was his priority and that he would do everything possible to attain the feat.

“We are not only working on providing water but also enough water for the people’s consumption, and we are going to produce 60,000 cubic metres of water before November 23,” he said.

The Ministry of Water Resources organised the event with WaterAid and the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF).

The Commissioner for Water Resources, Felix Nnamani, earlier in his welcome address, thanked the stakeholders who had played major roles in restoring water in the state.

Mr Nnamani said the Enugu State government left no stone unturned in ensuring that the citizens enjoyed potable and clean water.

Reviewing the law, Kingsley Udeh, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, said the law states the rights of water providers and consumers.

Mr Udeh, whom the deputy director of legal drafting represented, called on the citizens to ensure they were conversant with the laws to know their rights.

He said the bill was passed and signed into law in 2021, which showed that it had been taking effect since 2021.

“This water sector law serves as a beacon of hope for the people of the state, and it signifies the government’s determination to address the challenges faced in the water sector,” Mr Udeh said.

Evelyn Mere, the country director of WaterAid, said Enugu recognised the crucial role of water, sanitation, and hygiene in the development and well-being of its citizens.

(NAN)