Mbah, French envoy launch 14.5km water pipeline in Enugu

France, Enugu deepen ties in aviation, education, agriculture
Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, on Wednesday flagged off the construction of a 14.5-kilometre high-capacity water transmission pipeline aimed at boosting potable water supply across the state capital.
Mbah performed the ceremony alongside the French Ambassador to Nigeria, Marc Fonbaustier, marking what both parties described as a major milestone in ongoing efforts to tackle water scarcity in the metropolis.

Mbah flags off major Water pipeline in Enugu to boost water supply

The project will convey water from Nsude to the Terminal Reservoir at Miliken Hill, strengthening the distribution network and ensuring improved access to clean water for residents, businesses and public institutions.
The initiative is being supported by the French Development Agency under the Third National Urban Water Sector Reform Programme, a framework designed to improve urban water infrastructure across Nigeria.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, the governor said the project underscored his administration’s resolve to provide sustainable and reliable water supply.

He lamented that access to potable water had remained a challenge for many residents over the years, but expressed optimism that the new pipeline would permanently alter the situation.

He said, “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.”

Enugu tackles distribution gaps, replaces old pipelines

Mbah noted that beyond infrastructure, the project would have far-reaching social and economic benefits, including improved public health and increased economic productivity.
According to him, the initiative would help reduce the incidence of waterborne diseases, support businesses that depend on reliable water supply, and improve the overall standard of living of residents.

“It is about restoring dignity by ensuring that every resident of Enugu has access to safe and reliable water,” he added.

Earlier, while receiving the ambassador at the Government House, Mbah disclosed that his administration had made significant progress in addressing upstream challenges in water production.
He said water generation capacity had increased from two million litres per day to 120 million litres within 180 days, describing the feat as a major leap in the state’s water sector.
Despite the progress, the governor admitted that distribution challenges remained, attributing them to ageing and inadequate infrastructure, particularly asbestos pipelines that could no longer withstand increased pressure.
He said the government had embarked on replacing the obsolete pipes with durable ductile iron pipelines to improve efficiency and durability.

Mbah further revealed that his administration had opted to lay new pipelines rather than demolish structures built along existing water channels, a decision he said was taken in consideration of residents’ welfare.

Gov seeks private sector support for last-mile delivery

He stressed that his government was focused on delivering results rather than offering excuses, noting that residents would only appreciate the improvements when water begins to flow consistently from their taps.

“If you tell people you are generating 80 or 120 million litres of water, but nothing comes out when they turn their taps, it means nothing. What matters is that water actually flows,” he said.

The governor also called for increased private sector participation in the downstream segment of the water value chain, stating that partnerships would be crucial to achieving last-mile delivery.

“We are happy to work with any credible companies that can support us in this regard. This is an area where we want to see real action,” he added.

France commits $340m to Nigeria’s water sector

Speaking at the event, Fonbaustier said the project reflected the growing strength of bilateral relations between France and Nigeria, particularly in infrastructure development.
He disclosed that the French Government, through the French Development Agency, had invested about $340m in Nigeria’s urban water sector over the past decade.
According to him, the Nsude-Miliken Hill pipeline project exemplifies effective collaboration between French and Nigerian stakeholders, combining technical expertise with local knowledge.

“This partnership ensures not only high-quality infrastructure but also knowledge transfer and local capacity building,” he said.

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Ambassador hails Mbah’s leadership, reforms

The envoy also used the opportunity to commend Mbah’s leadership style, describing him as result-driven and visionary.
“I am impressed not only by your profile but by your actions and achievements. You are a man focused on timelines, measurable impact and transformation,” he said.

Fonbaustier further praised the governor’s strides in infrastructure development, particularly in transportation, noting that initiatives in rail, road and aviation sectors stood out.
He described the establishment and certification of an airline linked to the state, as well as efforts to concession the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, as remarkable achievements within a short period.
“You are a transformer and an entrepreneur. What you have done in such a short time is beyond the usual standards,” he added.
He reiterated France’s readiness to expand cooperation with Enugu State in critical sectors such as education, agriculture, agro-industrialisation, aviation and culture.

Officials laud Franco-Enugu development partnership

In their separate remarks, the Commissioner for Water Resources, Engr. Ben Collins Ndu Jr.; Managing Director of Enugu Water Corporation, Dr. Michael Nwachukwu; and Chairman of Udi Local Government Area, Hon. Hyginus Agu, commended the French Government for its continued support.
They described the partnership as instrumental to the state’s development agenda and expressed confidence that the project would significantly improve water supply in Enugu metropolis.

Contractor assures timely delivery, quality standards for the 14.5km water pipeline in Enugu

Also speaking, the Managing Director of TLD Global Services Ltd., Engr. Hilary Abaratu, assured that the company would deliver the project in line with global best practices.
He pledged adherence to quality standards and timely completion, noting that the firm was committed to meeting the expectations of the government and the people.

The pipeline project is part of broader reforms being implemented by the Mbah administration to overhaul critical infrastructure and improve service delivery in the state.

With the flag-off now completed, residents are expected to look forward to improved access to potable water as the government intensifies efforts to bridge gaps in the water supply system and ensure that clean water reaches every part of the capital city.