Enugu Launches 14.5km Water Pipeline Project with French Support

                             

The Enugu State Government has begun construction of a 14.5-kilometre high-capacity water transmission pipeline aimed at improving supply across the state capital.

Governor Peter Mbah and France’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Marc Fonbaustier, flagged off the project on Wednesday. The pipeline will run from Nsude to the Miliken Hill terminal reservoir.

The project is backed by the French Development Agency under the Third National Urban Water Sector Reform Programme.

State officials say the pipeline is designed to strengthen water distribution infrastructure and improve access to clean water for households, businesses and public institutions in Enugu.

Representing the governor at the ceremony, Secretary to the State Government Chidiebere Onyia said the project would help address long-standing water shortages and reduce waterborne diseases.

Earlier, Mr Mbah said the state had increased water production from 2 million to 120 million litres per day within six months, but acknowledged ongoing challenges in distribution.

He said the government is replacing ageing asbestos pipes with more durable ductile iron pipes to withstand higher pressure and improve delivery to end users.

The governor also called for private sector involvement in expanding distribution networks, describing it as critical to ensuring water reaches all parts of the city.

Mr Fonbaustier said France had committed about $340 million to Nigeria’s urban water sector over the past decade, describing the Enugu project as a reflection of growing bilateral cooperation.

He praised the governor’s focus on infrastructure and public service delivery, and signalled France’s willingness to expand partnerships with the state in sectors including education, agriculture and aviation.

Local officials and contractors involved in the project said work would be delivered to international standards and within schedule.