The years of anguish of the people of Nanka in search of portable water may have come to a happy end with the commissioning of the first ever functional borehole project executed by the government of Anambra State in conjunction with the community at Agbiligba Nanka in Orumba North Local Government Area, Anambra State.
Speaking at the event, governor Obiano expressed happiness that clean portable water was eventually struck at a depth of 2000 Feet, and described the borehole as an important project carried out to assuage the thirst for clean portable water in the community after several trials thus making it the first functional borehole in the area.
The governor stated that the project which cost N20million is in line with the overall policy of making water available across the state. He noted that not long ago, the greater Onitsha Water Scheme was commissioned, with reticulation on-going and replacing old pipes to ensure water is running everywhere in the city. He equally restated his commitment to the Obizi Water Scheme being carried out in conjunction with the World Bank, as well as plans to explore and harness the Artesian wells water in parts of Awka and Nnewi.
The governor assured Nanka community that the reticulation would be done with quality pipes to avoid lead poisoning. He also assured communities in the state with similar challenges that his administration would not abandon any project commenced by his predecessor.
He revealed that N50m had been spent by his government in de-contaminating the house and grounds of the structure used by some Colombians to manufacture illicit amphetamine drugs in Nanka which was endangering the health of the community. He equally urged the residents to report any suspicious activity in their neighborhood to the relevant authorities.
In his remark, Hon Commissioner for Utilities Mr. Obi Nwankwo said that the success achieved in the borehole project is as a result of genuine collaboration and partnership between the government and some illustrious sons of the community. He assured the community that the 8000 litres overhead tank and generator house would ensure that water is available to reach many of the homes, while the power transformer serving the area has been replaced, and appealed to them to safeguard government facilities.
Earlier, the Executive Chairman, Orumba North LGA, Hon Okey Enekwe thanked governor Obiano for assisting the community with the project which is the first successful borehole in the area. He promised that they would protect the investment and assured the government of the support of the people of Nnanka.